Broncos win World Series first week

WICHITA, Kan. -- The El Dorado (Kan.) Broncos are always a fan favorite at the NBC World Series since the tournament is played just a little more than 30 miles from the hometown of the Broncos.

This year is no exception and despite having to go through the first week of the new tournament format in order to have a shot at a World Series title, the Broncos took full advantage. The Broncos earned victories over the Jasper (Ind.) Reds, Tulsa (Okla.) Braves and San Diego (Calif.) Waves to set up Wednesday night's matchup against the San Diego Force with a trip to the 2013 Championship Week on the line.

The Broncos had little trouble getting to Force starting pitcher Corbin Burnes in the contest, touching him for four runs on seven hits on their way to a 6-2 win. Burnes took the loss for the Force, while Eric Schuermann got the win for El Dorado.

With the victory, the Broncos claimed a $5,000 prize and punched their ticket to Championship Week, where they will take on the Nevada Griffons at 4 p.m., Friday. The Griffons were originally scheduled to take on the Colorado Sox, but the bracket had to be altered to avoid pitting El Dorado against a league opponent in the first round.