NEWBERRY – A hot start by Fort Mill Post 43 led to a 5-3 win over Golden Strip Post 271 to stay alive in the American Legion Juniors State Tournament at Newberry College.
Golden Strip didn’t waste any time scoring a run in the top of the first. Post 43’s pitching struggles started early. A Fort Mill error loaded the bases for Post 271 and then a bunt single scored another run for them.
Post 43 rallied in the bottom of the first batting around in the process. Starting with a walk to Cooper Diehl was followed with singles by James Knoll and Alex Smith. A single by Cole Stukitz loaded the bases with no outs, while Ryan Stukitz would double scoring two to give Fort Mill an early 3-2 lead. Carson Krueger would get hit by a pitch to keep the bases loaded and Alex Downes reached on an error to score Cole Stukitz. Grey Kneidel walked allowing Ryan Stukitz to score making it 5-2 before the first out.
Fort Mill settled down in the second inning on the mound as starter Zach Young allowed only two base runners without giving up a run.
Hitting settled down for both teams in the game. Then in the top of the fifth, Young was replaced on the mound by Carter Powell. Young went four innings allowing three runs in three hits, while walking four. He would get the win for Post 43.
Post 271 scored a run before the end of the inning after one of their runners got caught in a run down after having a runner reach on a walk.
Cole Stukitz came in the top of the seventh for Fort Mill. Stukitz allowed just one hit and got the save.
Alex Smith went 1-2 with an RBI and Ryan Stukitz went 1-3 with two RBIs. Diehl, Knoll, and Cole Stukitz each got hits as well for Fort Mill.
Post 43 will play the loser of Richland Post 215 Gold and Florence Post 1 in another elimination game Monday.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
