ASHEBORO, N.C. — Morgantown Post 2 (35-9) suffered its first loss in the American Legion Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament, falling to Vienna (Va.) Post 180 (35-2) 15-1.
Vienna found the early lead with six runs through the first two innings, while Morgantown claimed their only run in the bottom of the first. Vienna went on to score three more runs in the following two innings before closing the game early in the sixth inning with six runs.
Catcher Avery Neaves was prolific at the plate for Post 180, going 3-for-4 for 4 RBI. Zach Perkins went 2-for-2, adding three more RBI and first baseman Luke Erdmann (1-4) matched him with three RBI. In total, Vienna logged their runs on 16 hits.
Devon Neal (1-2) batted in the only Morgantown RBI. Gavin Cottle (1-2) and Matt Renner (1-2) were the only other batters to log a hit against Vienna.
Shane Stiehl picked up the win on the mound, pitching three innings before being relieved. He had one hit and earned run against him while striking out four. Eric Lingebach pitched the remaining three innings, allowing two hits and two walks, striking out three through 13 batters faced.
Casey Smith took the loss for Morgantown, pitching 3 1/3 innings. He struck out three and allowed 11 hits, nine earned runs and four walks to end with a 24.30 ERA.
Morgantown faces elimination against Randolph County Post 45 (N.C.) Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Randolph County is riding momentum off a 11-6 victory over Canal Post 25 (Del.). The winner of today’s elimination game will advance to face the winner of Brooklawn Post 72 (N.J.) and Vienna.
