Kelso Fastpitch, from front left: Jonathan Lynch, Chad Stelling, Jerry Wolsey, Chad Bogenpohl, Larry Eftink, and Zachary Cain. Back from left: David Headley, Paul Lynch, Clayton Eftink, Randy Simpkins, Casey Stokes, Tom Jansen, and Dane Balsmann. Photo By BOB OTTO

URBANDALE, IOWA – Kelso Fastpitch of Kelso, Missouri finished third in the NAFA A-Major World Series, losing a tough 9-7 game to Santa Rosa (Calif.) Fastpitch on Sunday morning.

In the top of the seventh, Kelso had a golden opportunity with bases loaded and one out, but couldn’t bring a run or two across to either tie or possibly win the game.

“We couldn’t get the big hit,” said Kelso manager Jerry Wolsey. “I think the difference was we came out and got on top and then gave up some runs early. They are a good team, and it’s hard to come back against a good team, but we were right there at the end.”

Kelso advanced to the NAFA A-Major winners bracket final, but lost to the eventual champion Bronx from Saskatchewan, Canada.

Kelso, a loyal NAFA World Series team, finished fourth in 2011 in the A-Major, won the A-Major Gold Division last year, and now finished third in a very strong field.

Kelso placed four players on the NAFA A-Major All-World team for outstanding performances:

And sharing the highest pitching honor was Tom Jansen, who was selected the A-Major Co-Most Valuable Pitcher with the Bronx, Jeremy Kenny. (Jansen needs just one more All-World or Most Valuable Player or Pitcher award to qualify for the NAFA Hall of Fame.)