ASHEBORO, N.C. — Morgantown Post 2 erupted for five runs in the top of the sixth inning to upset host Wilmington Post 10 (N.C.), 9-4, on Thursday to advance in the American Legion Mid-Atlantic regional tournament.
Shortstop Quintin Smith continues his hot streak, going 3-3 and scoring three runs at the top of the order for Post 2 (35-8). Wilmington appeared to shy away from pitching to Quintin Smith in the sixth, intentionally walking him to put Casey Smith at the plate.
Casey Smith then doubled to drive in Aaron Forbes and Quintin Smith to give Post 2 a 6-4 advantage, a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. Morgantown scored three more runs in the inning thanks to a double by Devon Neal, single by Gavin Cottle and sacrifice fly by Clay Maholic.
Evan Smith went the distance on the mound for Post 2, tossing seven innings and giving up four runs on eight hits and walking three. However, he only threw 85 pitches, so it saved Morgantown’s bullpen, which is critical in postseason play.
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, but responded with three runs in the top of the second. Casey Smith hit a sac fly to score Ethan Smith, then a throwing error scored Avante Neal and Quintin Smith.
Wilmington scored all of its runs in the first three innings, but Evan Smith settled down to throw four scoreless frames to earn the win.
Post 2 will play Vienna Post 180 (Va.) in the winner’s bracket final at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
