June 12, 2006

KELSO -- The organizers of the 22nd Kelso Klassic Men's Fastpitch Softball Tournament, long overdue for a weather break, finally got one with a rain- free weekend. The Klassic has been hampered by rain 17 of the past 18 years. "The rain god's were on our side this time," said Rick Heuring, assistant tournament director. ...

KELSO -- The organizers of the 22nd Kelso Klassic Men's Fastpitch Softball Tournament, long overdue for a weather break, finally got one with a rain-

free weekend.

The Klassic has been hampered by rain 17 of the past 18 years.

"The rain god's were on our side this time," said Rick Heuring, assistant tournament director. "We are very thankful for the lack of rain. That always makes it easier for us, of course, and helps our crowds and makes for a lot better weekend for everybody--less work and better softball."

One of the pre-tournament favorites, the Freight of Vandalia, Ill., battled back from an opening-round loss to capture its second Klassic title. They also won in 2003 and are coming off an ASA Class B National Championship season in 2005.

Emerging from the loser's bracket after suffering a 2-1 loss to the Memphis Posse on Saturday, the Freight won eight straight games including six during Sunday's championship run.

The Freight, behind the tournament's most valuable pitcher Alan Meinhart, knocked off previously undefeated Nokomis (Ill.) Bud Light 2-1 to reach the championship final.

Meinhart (4-1), again on the hill in the final, cruised with strong run support to an 11-0 mercy-run rule win over Nokomis, a perennial Klassic contender with 11 previous championship and runners-up finishes.

Bob Nagel, named the tournament's most valuable player, ignited a decisive eight-run fourth inning with a lead-off triple.

Nagel, who stroked 15 hits in 29 trips, broke the tournament record of 13 hits. He had two doubles, a triple and a home run with 10 RBIs.

T-Town Bud Select of Teutopolis, Ill., placed third and the Memphis Posse finished fourth.

Jamco Transportation, a local team based in Kelso, compiled a 3-2 record. Jamco bounced back from a first-round loss to win three straight before losing 2-0 to the eventual champion, the Freight.

Kelso Fastpitch, the other local representative, finished with a 1-3 won-lost mark.

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