McKowen homers, but Post 109 junior team falls

The newly-formed Gaffney Post 109 Junior American Legion team struggled at times at the plate in its seasonopener at Rock Hill on Thursday.

Rock Hill had no such problems.

Rock Hill broke open a tight game with four runs in the sixth to earn an 8- 3 victory.

Gaffney had only six hits. "We hit the ball well, but it was right at people," Gaffney manager Travis Clary said. "We also gave up a few walks."

Rock Hill also had a veteran team.

"They were older," Clary added. They had a lot of juniors. We are basically playing with eighth and ninthgraders. We are less mature, but we played well."

Clay McKowen got Post 109 off to a good start with a solo homer to lead off the second. Ryan Frock then reached on an error, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Richie Williams' sacrifice fly.

Rock Hill trimmed the deficit to one with a run in the second and went ahead with two runs in the third. Rock Hill added a run in the fourth to lead 4- 2.

Gaffney pulled within a run in the fifth when Dylan Huskey opened the inning with a double and scored on Nicholas Smiley's double.

Huskey was 3 for 4 with three stolen bases for Post 109.

Corey Crissone started and allowed three runs in three innings for Post 109. Smiley relieved Crissone and was charged with five runs over 2 2/3 innings.

"The whole team played well," Clary said.

Gaffney drops to 0-1 in League V play.

Post 109 travels to Clover today. Matt Gault is expected to get the start for Gaffney.