By Thomas Grant Jr.
League III in South Carolina American Legion baseball now includes three of its last six state champions.
Falling behind early in the standings is something the teams in that league want to avoid.
As of this past Tuesday, Chapin/Newberry Post 193/24 was still seeking its first win of the season. After losing to Lexington Post 7 on May 31, Post 193/24 dropped back-to-back games in frustrating fashion.
On May 6, Chapin/Newberry visited West Columbia Post 79 at Brookland-Cayce High School. It was staked out to a 5-0 lead as starting pitcher George Schodowski allowed one hit through five innings.
Brady Yarborough was responsible for three RBI for Chapin/Newberry, including a two-run single in the top of the fifth inning.
West Columbia scored twice in the bottom half of the inning on an error and RBI single by Robert McMillian. After Chapin/Newberry added an insurance run in the top of the seventh, McMillian played a role in the final comeback.
Post 79 loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning. After Dylan McIntock was struck out by reliever Landon Kahl, Peyton Starkey of Gray Collegiate Academy singled home a run to make it 6-3.
With the bases still full, War Eagle teammate Mason Turner drew an RBI walk. Busenlelner followed with a two-run double to centerfielder to tie the game.
McMillian then lined an RBI single past third baseman Landon Davenport into leftfield to score Turner for the 7-6 walk off victory.
The following night at Newberry College Stadium, Chapin/Newberry jumped out to a 5-1 lead over Richland Post 215. An 8-run rally in the top of the sixth inning enabled Richland to erase the deficit and go on for a 9-6 victory.
West Columbia returned to action Wednesday to play host to front-runner Camden Post 17.
American Legion Schedule
Chapin/Newberry Post 193/24
June 15 – West Columbia Post 79 (at Newberry College) 7 pm
June 19 – at West Columbia Post 79 (at Brookland-Cayce High School) 6:30 pm
June 20 – Richland Post 215 (DH – at Newberry College) 5 pm
June 21 – at Camden Post 17 (at American Legion Field) 7 pm
Lexington Post 7
June 20 – at West Columbia Post 79 (at Brookland-Cayce High School) 6:30 pm
June 21 – West Columbia Post 79 (at Lexington High School) 7 pm
Chapin-Newberry pitcher George Schodowski of Dutch Fork. Photo by Thomas Grant Jr.
