By SCOTT POWELLLedger Sports Writerspowell@gaffneyledger.com

Post 109’s Evans Harris blocks the path of a baserunner during recent American Legion playoff action. Gaffney American Legion Post 109 advanced to the state finals with Wednesday’s 10-9 victory over Lancaster Post 31.

Post 109 swept Lancaster in three games to earn its first appearance in the state finals. Play in the eight team, double elimination tournament will begin Wednesday, July 27, at Legion Field by Lander University in Greenwood.

Post 109 raced out to a 9-0 lead through five innings behind big hits by Davie Smoak, Ben Dollar, Evans Harris, Trevin Taber and Stephen Kaemmerlen. Smoak and Harris had 2-run RBI singles while Taber had a 2run RBI double.

Lancaster staged a rally when it scored seven runs in the fifth inning to pull to within 9-7.

Post 109 had only one more hit in the game, but added a run in the eighth inning to increase its lead to 10-7.

Justin Sarratt walked to lead off the eighth and stole second. He advanced to third on a passed ball and then scored on another wild pitch.

“We hit the ball really well in the early part of the game and did a job of setting the tempo,” Post 109 manager Jeff Osment said. “Lancaster showed a lot of heart and character in coming back after being behind 9-0.”

Post 109 relief pitcher Preston Byars gave up a couple of hits after taking over for starting pitcher Bobby Wilkins in Lancaster’s big fifth inning. Byars was able to minimize the damage and held Lancaster in check until its late rally in the ninth inning against Post 109 closer Justin Garrett.

Garrett gave up four singles and two runs in the ninth inning as Lancaster reduced a nine run lead to just one. He got a Lancaster batter to hit a bouncer back to the mound for the final out.

Post 109 now waits to find out its opponent in next week’s state finals.

By sweeping Lancaster, Post 109 players earn a few days of rest while other teams finish their best-of-five second round playoff games.

“We have never made it this far. I’m very proud of our team,” Osment said. “The players have done a tremendous job all season. Now we’re going to have a shot.”

Post 109 players will attend a banquet Tuesday evening before their first game next Wednesday. The state championship game is scheduled for Sunday.