Colby Tops Burlington in Windy Home Victory, Kersenbrock Sets Triple Record

by Derek White

In a gusty Thursday afternoon matchup that filled the stands with eager fans, the Colby Eagles rode early momentum and a dominant outing from their ace to secure a 9-6 win over the visiting Burlington squad. The win came with a milestone moment, as senior pitcher Max Kersenbrock not only controlled the game from the mound but also etched his name into the Colby record books.

Kersenbrock was electric from the start. The right-hander struck out nine and allowed just three hits and one unearned run over six strong innings. His dominance kept Burlington hitless through the early frames and helped Colby build a comfortable lead. At the plate, Kersenbrock was just as impressive, going 2-for-2 and breaking the Colby Eagles’ single-season triples record with his fifth of the year.

Colby got on the board in the bottom of the second inning. Kasen Stramel plated the first run with a sacrifice fly, and a balk by Burlington starter Foose brought in another. In the third, Brayden Foss added a run with a double down the left field line, giving the Eagles a 3-0 lead.

Colby’s offense didn’t let up. They extended their lead across the middle innings, with RBIs coming from up and down the lineup. Curry and Stramel each drove in two, and the team showed aggressiveness on the bases with four stolen bags, including two by Talon Wark. By the start of the seventh, the Eagles were in control with a 9-1 cushion.

Foose, who took the loss for Burlington, allowed six runs (five earned) over four innings, striking out six. Despite his struggles on the mound, he contributed to a late Burlington rally with a two-run double in the top of the seventh.

That seventh inning saw Burlington mount a furious comeback, scoring five runs. Franz was hit by a pitch to bring in one, Foose’s double knocked in two more, and additional runs came via a Colby error and a groundout by Knight.

But with the tying run on deck, Brayden Foss came in to close the door, earning the save and preserving the Eagles’ win.

Burlington’s offense showed patience throughout the game, drawing six walks. Humrich and McDonough each reached twice via free passes, and the defense turned a double play to help slow Colby’s momentum briefly.

The win provides a shot of energy for the Eagles as they look ahead to a road game against Hugoton on Tuesday, April 22. In challenging wind conditions, the Colby crowd made their presence known, rallying behind their team and their record-setting ace in a game that delivered both excitement and history.