MORGANTOWN — The American Legion West Virginia State Tournament began Tuesday at Dale Miller Field at Mylan Park. Morgantown Post 2 faced off against Buckhannon Post 7 in the first round but was unable to continue its hot streak, falling 5-3.
Both teams opened the game by going hitless in the first inning. It wouldn’t be until the bottom of the second the scoring began, as Morgantown’s Park Croyle singled to right field and brought Tommy Montague around the bases. That run would be all Morgantown would get in the inning, however.
The top of the third was the difference maker for Buckhannon, as three runs were scored in a two-out rally that turned the momentum of the game.
A single to center field scored the tying run, which was soon followed by a ground ball to Cody Thomas at short, who couldn’t get the runner at first. Another run scored and the bases would be loaded, as well.
Post 2 starting pitcher Tyler Furbee then hit the next batter with a pitch, sending home a run, giving Buckhannon the lead 3-1.
Post 2 added a second run in the third when Zach Brennan grounded into a fielder’s choice. Jacob Kennell scored but Aaron Forbes was thrown out advancing to second base. Montague would ground out to end the inning and preserve the lead for Buckhannon.
After two scoreless innings for both teams, Post 7 broke the lead open once again, this time with two runs on a single to right field. One run scored on the hit and another when the throw to home went passed Croyle and into the back stop, making the lead 5-2 in favor of Buckhannon.
Morgantown added a third and final run in the bottom of the sixth when Jacob Kennell reached on an error by the third baseman. Jett Walters scored on the play, but Thomas flied out on the next at bat to end the inning.
Neither team would earn a run in the seventh, and Buckhannon earned the first round win by a final score of 5-3.
Post 7 will continue on to play South Charleston Post 94 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, while Morgantown will play Parkersburg Post 15 at 4 p.m. Both games will be held at Dale Miller Field.
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Morgantown Post 2 (17-15)
Kennell 4110 Thomas 3010 Forbes 4020 Brennan 4001 Montague 4110 Cottle 2010 Walters 1100 Croyle 3021 Nealy 3000
Buckhannon Post 7
Aman 2210 Bryant 4231 Marple 4111 Mealey 3010 Calef 4031 Snyder 3001 Donnen 4010 Hurst 3000 Bennett 2100
