Batters in for long night with aces on mound

Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Post 109's Aaron Epps advances to third in last Thursday's game against Shelby. Post 109 returns to action tonight at rival Spartanburg. The batters have the tough part of today's game between American Legion League VI rivals Gaffney Post 109 and Spartanburg Post 28.

That's because they'll likely be hitting against the teams' aces Gaffney's Justin Sarratt and Spartanburg's David Parry.

Sarratt, who signed to pitch at Clemson, last went to the mound 10 days ago. But Post 109 manager Jeff Osment isn't concerned.

"We expect him to pick up right where he left off," Osment said. "The layoff just means that he has 10 days to give his arm more time to rest."

Former Dorman High ace Parry, who will pitch for Brigham Young University, has the attention of Post 109.

"He is their top pitcher," Osment said. "We better swing at strikes and put the ball in play. We also have to play smart baseball."

In the teams' first matchup on June 2, Dusty Mabry tripled home Sarratt for the game-winning run in a 43 victory for Post 109. The game was called after six innings because of heavy rains and lightning.

The game shouldn't have been that close as Post 109 left 10 runners on base.

Bobby Wilkins allowed eight hits to pick up the win.

Post 109 led 2-0 on a 2-run single by Aaron Epps. But Spartanburg tied the game in the top of the third before Post 109 regained the lead in the bottom of the inning when Mabry doubled and scored on two passed balls. Post 28's Hunter West had a 2-out double to knot the game at 3 in the sixth, setting the stage for Mabry's heroics in the bottom of the inning.

Post 109, atop the League VI standings with a 2-0 mark, is coming off a 16-12 non-league loss to Shelby on Thursday.

In that game. Shelby roughed up reliever Justin Garrett for 10 runs and 11 hits in the sixth inning to turn a 1-run deficit into a 12-3 advantage. Post 109 fought back to make the final score more respectable.

Post 109 played the game with only 10 players because seniors from Broome and Chesnee high schools were vacationing at the beach.

Post 109 will be at full strength tonight.

"We will have everybody back," Osment said. "It's a big game but all the games are big since we only have a 12-game (League VI) schedule."

Post 109 will travel to Union on Tuesday and will be at Shelby for another nonLeague VI game on Wednesday.