Published: July 05, 2008 01:20 pm      

Post 38 finishes second in Smoky Mountain Classic

Somerset — In a rain-shortened tourney in Jefferson City, TN last weekend the Post 38 American Legion team finished in second place with a 2-1 record in the Smoky Mountain Classic. All scheduled games on Sunday were canceled due to rain.

On Friday the 38ers downed the Palmetto Express from South Carolina as Corey Price scattered 8 hits, struck out 6 and helped himself in the 8-3 win with 3 hits including a two-run home run and 4 RBIs. Adam Wallen doubled and singled and drove in 2 runs as Brett Blankenship doubled in a run. Chase Hall, Bryson McFall and Otie Manning each singled as Tyler Mayer added a RBI with a bases loaded walk. The 38ers defense was flawless in the field.

The 38ers lost to the GA Eagles from Atlanta, GA 13-5 on Saturday as the 38ers committed 4 errors. Aaron Hampton hit his first career home run in the 3rd inning, a two-run shot as Wallen hit a two-run bomb in the 5th inning. In the 5th the 38ers staged a comeback but to no avail. McFall doubled in the other 38ers run as Jeremy Toohey and Mayer each added singles. Wallen also had a double in the first inning.

The 38ers beat the Jackson Wildcats from North Carolina 10-2 on Saturday as McFall got the win on the mound, allowing two runs but the 38ers defense was the key as Hall threw out 2 runners at 2nd base. Toohey, Wallen and Hall executed the 8-3-2 play as Toohey threw a bullet to Wallen who nailed the runner at the plate. Mayer and Hampton turned a big double play in the 4th inning to thwart a Wildcat rally. Blankenship led the offense with 2 doubles and a two-run homer and 3 RBIs. Mayer singled three times with 2 RBIs as Price singled and homered, a solo blast in the 5th inning. McFall singled twice with 2 stolen bases as Otie Manning singled in 2 runs and Hampton added a single.

The 38ers improve to 9-8 on the season and travel to Columbia, TN this weekend to participate in the 2008 Independence Day Classic hosted by defending American Legion National Champions, Columbia Post 19. The 38ers will play the champs on Friday night at 9:30. The 38ers will also play Dyersburg, TN and Huntsville, AL and hope to advance to the championship round on Sunday.