Post 109 stumbles out of gate

Post 109 manager Jeff Osment was pleased with his team's pitching and defense.

Offense and focus were another matter, though.

Bobby Jackson pitched and Jake Watson pitched well but the offense mustered just eight hits in a season-opening 8-3 home loss to Cherryville on Wednesday.

"We didn't get the timely hit," Osment said. "We swung the bats all right, but we hit the ball right at them."

Osment said the team's concentration for nine innings needs to improve.

"We have to keep our focus for a full nine innings and not take any plays off," he said.

Cherryville would score all the runs it would need in the second inning. Gaffney did trim the deficit to 4-3 but Cherryville put the game out of reach with two runs in both the eighth and ninth innings.

John Michaels had a huge game for Post 109, going 3 for 4 at the plate and making a diving catch on the first batter of the game.

Bryan Parsons homered and Michael Hughey and Spencer Epps had RBIs for Post 109.

Jason Biershenck started for Post 109 before giving way to Jackson in the second. Jackson allowed just one hit and struck out three in his two innings of work.

Watson relieved Jackson and tossed three strong innings. Aaron Harris allowed two runs over two innings. Cherryville also touched Cameron Byars for two runs in his two innings of work.

"Bobby and Jake did a great job for us on the mound," Osment said. "Bobby was great and Jake picked up where he left off for us last season."

The second game of the home and home series between the teams was cancelled on Thursday. The game won't be made up.

Post 109 hosts Rock Hill today at 7 p.m.

Osment said he'll use the game again to find work for his pitchers.

Both Watson and Jackson will pitch again today, according to Osment. Blacksburg High ace Dustin Byars will also get a chance to throw today, Osment said.

"After those three, we'll just take it from there," he said.