The postseason began Friday for the Chadron American Legion Post 12 FNBO Juniors with the Area 7 tournament in Gering.
The Nationals came up just short in the tournament opener as they lost a 3-2 walk-off to top-seeded Sidney
Sidney took a 2-0 lead in the 1st, but Chadron got 1 back in the 6th and tied it in the 7th, only to see Sidney push across the winning run in the bottom of the inning.
Chadron starter Cade Buskirk struck out 10 and gave up just 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs in 6-â…“ innings, but reliever Kobe Bissonette ran into trouble and gave up 2 hits and a walk without getting an out to take the loss.
      Derek Bissonette had half the Nationals 4 hits, going 2-2 with a double and the team’s only RBI. Chadron left 9 runners on base as Sidney committed and error and walked 5 batters.
     The Nationals now have an elimination game Saturday morning at 11:00 against Alliance, the 2-seed who lost to host Gering. The semifinals and finals are Sunday.