LEGION: Post 83 opens Distrct Tourney with rout

TIFFIN

After a big come-from-behind win earlier this week, Sandusky Legion Post 83 wasted little time Thursday evening in the opening game of the District Tournament at Tiffin University. Post 83 started with a five-run first inning and followed that up with seven in the second en route to a 20-7 thumping of Fremont Post 121 in a game shortened to seven innings by the run rule.

Sandusky got hitting from all parts of the lineup. In the first two innings, they scored those 12 runs on 12 hits with five of the hits being doubles. Cody Koch led the way with two doubles and two RBI's. Xavier Turner added two RBI's with a double and single while Mike Hamann added two hits and an RBI.

With the big lead, Post 83 was sailing with their ace, Hamann, on the mound. He dominated in three hitless innings, allowing only one walk while striking out seven. Scott Hacker followed with two innings of two hit relief, allowing one run.

Sandusky added six more runs in the fourth inning to stretch their lead to 18-0. Continuing to swing hot bats, they clubbed three triples in the inning. Andrew Enderle got things going with the first triple, Koch later added an RBI three-bagger, and Spencer Bryant finished the uprising with a 2-run triple.

Coach Ray Neill was pleased with his team's tournament opener. "It was a great start, just what the doctor ordered, in more than one way," Neill said. First, we came out swinging the bats against a lefty. We got up 18-0 and that allowed us to get Hamann out of the game. That is key to be able to bring Mr. Hamann back some time later in the tournament."

"We've been in a bit of a hole lately, and the comeback win on Tuesday was a shovel out of that hole," Neill continued. "Tonight, getting ahead 18-0 was another shovel. Hopefully at some point, a defensive shovel will come. We are still walking some people and making some misplays."

Fremont scored seven runs over the final three innings to make the final score more respectable, but Neill was still enthusiastic after the game. "To score 20 runs on 20 hits is outstanding," he said. "We have been like a yo-yo this year, but a part of that might have been guys looking ahead a little. It is always our biggest goal to win the District, and this is a great start."

Bryant led the way for Post 83 at the plate with three hits and five RBI's. Turner added three hits, three runs and two RBI's, and Michael Shepherd added a 4-4 performance, scored four runs, and drove in two runs. He also ate up the final two innings on the mound for Sandusky.

Asked about his perfect day at the plate, Shepherd spread the praise. "Matt (Gundlach) got that first hit, and our hitting became contagious. Coach Neill told us we are not allowed to take first pitch fastballs, so we are being aggressive. It is the District tournament, and it is time to get going."

Post 83 will try to continue their momentum on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. They will play the winner of Avon Lake and Bucyrus at Heidelberg University.