NEWBERRY – Struggles abound for Fort Mill Post 43 Juniors as they fell in the opening round of the American Legion Juniors state tournament.
After nearly a two-and half-hour delay to the start of the tournament because nearly 2.5 inches of rain wreaked havoc on field conditions the Newberry College baseball field the night before, Fort Mill, a fifth seed, opened the state tournament against Richland Post 215 Red falling 7-3.
Fort Mill was the road team and got a couple of runners on to lead the game off, but wasn’t able to score in the top of the first.
After nothing happening in the second inning, Post 43’s Alex Smith doubled to get things started for Fort Mill. However, again Post 43 left players stranded.
In the bottom of the third, Richland struck first after two singles and a fielder’s choice to load the bases and eventually go up 1-0.
Zach Young gave Fort Mill a chance in the top of the fourth with a one out double, but like in previous innings Post 43 couldn’t get him in.
Richland would add two more runs in the bottom of the fourth, before Post 43 starter Alex Downes was taken out. Downes went three and a third innings allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out one without walking any.
In the top of the fifth, Cole Stukitz led off with a single for Fort Mill. Stukitz was picked off stealing second, but Post 43 loaded the bases with a walk to Lawson Smith and a single by Alex Smith. Carson Krueger got a bases loaded walk to score Lawson Smith. Carter Czapla had a sacrifice scoring James Knoll, who was hit by a pitch to get on base, making it 3-2.
Post 43 got just one hit in the top of the sixth and left yet another runner stranded. Richland added to their total with multiple runs in the sixth as they scored four runs off five hits and a Fort Mill error.
Fort Mill continued to work in the seventh to try and rally as Alex Smith doubled in Knoll, who walked. Smith went 3-3 at the plate to lead Post 43. However, it wasn’t enough as Post 43 struck out 13 times in the game.
The loss dropped Fort Mill to 13-3 on the season as they will now face Golden Strip Post 271 out of Simpsonville in the consolation bracket. Another loss will end the Post 43 Juniors season, as they will now have to win five straight to win a state title.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
