I think after tonight I have to admit this year's Post 58 team is better than last year. Last year was 20-6 so far this year is 23-5. This years team won eleven in a row at one point and since one lost are undefeated in the playoffs at 8-0 and were 3-0 after the lost of end the regular season.. That's is a 22-1 record over the last 23 games. Last years team hit in the short fences at Northern Nash. Gryphon Stadium is a longer poke to hit a homer. This year's team is averaging just about the same in run production. Only a few pitchers were reliable last year but this year's team I don't think there is one pitcher on the staff that Hank won't use at any time.
There is one other thing that I really like about this team. When you put a little pressure on them they respond. Case in Point, Last week when Collins Cuthrell was tossed from a game it was 2-2 at the time in the sixth inning, final score 6-3 Post 58. Even the next night without Cuthrell, Parker Helms filled in and played a big part in the victory.
Case in point: Tonight 58 jumps out to a 5-1 lead in the first on a bases loaded double by Matthew Berry clearing the bases. Spencer Bell and Mike Smith also had an rbi.
Cary had scratched a run across the plate in the first on Brandon Denton but going into the fifth inning Denton had yield five runs but not all was his fault. He was charged with three earned runs in four inning. Trellis Ashley pitch two good inning but the lead off batter for Cary in the top of the seventh hit a solo homer and Cary had tied the game 6-6.
Before that Post 58 had run themselves out of a couple of runs trying the first and third double steal of home which was out at home and being picked off third with the bases loaded. Matthew Berry belted his second double in the fourth to give 58 six runs.
Post 58 missed a chance in the seventh to score but would not be denied in the bottom of the eighth. Matthew Berry got his sixth rbi of the game with a two run homer to give 58 the lead 8-6. Just for good measure Spencer Bell got a hit ,stole second and Mike Smith collecting his fifth hit of the night drove in Bell.
Jeremy Trevathan held Cary Post 67 scoreless in the seventh and eighth and Bill Clark did the same in the ninth to give Post 58 a 9-6 victory of Cary . Game two of this series is in Cary Tuesday night at 7.00pm at Cary High school. If Post 58 wins Tuesday they are the Area one champions for the second year in a row. If it takes game three that will also be played in Cary at 7.00pm Wednesday.
Post 58 had 13 hits with Mike Smith having the night of his life going 5 for 5 and two rbi's. Matthew Berry was 3-5 with two doubles and a home run and six rbi's. Spencer Bell had two knocks with an rbi. Tyler Clark, Collins Cuthrell and Thomas Berry had a hit a piece.
Jeremy Trevathan gets the win but Trellis Ashley, Trevathan and Bill Clark pitched five innings of relief and only gave up one run.
Regardless of who wins this series both Cary and Rocky Mount are headed to the State American Legion Baseball Tournament in Asheboro Friday for the opening ceremonies. There will be a skills competition after the opening festivities.
Saturday Morning at 9.30 either Rocky Mount or Cary the winner of this week's battle will play in the first game of the tournament at 9.30. The loser of this week's action plays at 12.30 Saturday afternoon.
Post 58 sends the home folks home happy in their last appearance at home this season. All that is left is to finish this series in Cary and then Saturday the double elimination tournament in Asheboro. If they win the State the Southeast regional is in Columbia Tennessee.
