WICHITA — By the time, the Great Bend Bat Cats delivered a base hit with a runner on base, their magical 2026 season was nearly over. The Bat Cats were 0-for-15 with a runner on base before. The Hornets handed Great Bend a huge opportunity with three consecutive first-inning errors. Fortunately, George McCarroll and T.J. Shaw scored runs when the Hornets committed errors. The rally fizzled when Chase Chapman struck out and Jack Jewel flew out with the bases loaded. The Hornets pounded starter Ben Smith for five earned runs. Quinn Groebl hit a sacrifice fly and Brad Blankenship delivered a 2-run single for a 3-2 lead. Bat Cat Cesar Chavira scored on Kirby Orth's second-inning groundout for a 3-3 tie. Josh Holmes' 2-run homer scored Barton Cougar Kyle Graves for a 5-3 lead. Graves singled home Clay Anderson for a 6-3 lead. Great Bend 210 000 — 3 3 0 BTL Hornets 302 100 — 6 7 4 Smith, French (3), Graham (5) and Chavira. James and 2B—GB—Wakeland; BTL—Holmes. HR—BTL—Holmes.