Legion seniors post 1-2 mark at Crete

CRETE – The Sidney American Legion seniors returned from the Thom Stallard Senior Legion Tournament in Crete over the weekend with a 1-2 record. Sidney’s overall record now stands at 4-8.

After the long ride from Sidney on Saturday morning, Post 17’s bats were slow to get going as it fell to Pleasant Dale, 14-3. The locals rebounded in game two with a 15-8 victory over host Crete. Malcolm then defeated Sidney in the sixth-place game on Sunday, 12-3.

“We struggled a little with our hitting in the first game but we snapped out of it for the second game,” said coach Ray Witt. “I don’t know if the five-hour drive had anything to do with it, but we struck out seven times and didn’t pick up many walks. We weren’t at all patient at the plate.”

Keaton Wakefield opened the Pleasant Dale game on the mound and Jason Hagerman finished it off.

“Keaton came out a little slow and then he settled down some,” Witt said. “That’s been an issue with some of our pitchers of late. They struggle early and then find a better groove. We have to find a way to get going right from the start.”

Arik Doty took the hill in game two with Jake Heeren pitching the final 2/3 innings in relief. Heeren also had three hits in four at bats with two singles and a double. Bradey Holtz scored three runs.

On Sunday, Post 17 could manage just three knocks. Only Kyle Burton, Connor Langrell and Wakfield managed hits in the finale. Burton opened the game on the mound and was relieved by Holtz to start the fourth inning.

The tournament was won by Sidney’s district opponent, Gering.

Sidney is next in action on three consecutive nights this week with junior-senior doubleheaders.

On Tuesday, district opponent Chadron visits Legion Field with Gordon – another district foe – here on Wednesday. Class A Westco (Scottsbluff) will take on Post 17 on Thursday. The juniors will open the action each evening at 5 p.m. with the seniors to follow at about 7:30 p.m.