Post 109 not sharp in victory over Greer

Ledger photo by LARRY HILLIARD Post 109's Bobby Jackson, shown sliding safely into home in a game against Union, will start today in a key matchup with hot-hitting Spartanburg. The game was closer than most fans expected.

Gaffney Post 109 pounded out 14 hits but managed just four runs in a 4-2 win over visiting Greer on Monday.

Gaffney made it hard on itself by scoring just once after loading the bases three times.

"We just didn't do a good job of hitting our pitches," Gaffney coach Jeff Osment said. "We hit the ball right at them."

Jake Watson started and allowed two runs and three hits over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four but gave up five walks.

Watson got in trouble in the first inning, giving up a walk and a 2-run homer. But he steadied himself after that, striking out the next two batters and pitching four-plus scoreless innings.

"It was the first time he started this year," Osment said. "He was a little rusty but he gave us some good innings."

Watson was replaced by Jason Biershenk, who was nearly unhittable with five strikeouts and no hits to finish the game.

"He challenged the hitters," Osment said.

Biershenk also turned in the defensive play of the game at second base.

Trailing 2-0, Gaffney tied it in the bottom of the first. McCrae Norton started things with a leadoff double. John Michaels followed with a RBI single. He went to third on a errant pick off throw and scored on Dylan Jolley's single.

In the third inning, Gaffney took the lead for good on consecutive singles from Norton, Michaels, Bryan Parsons and Michael Hughey.

Gaffney went ahead 4-2 in the fifth on singles by Jolley and Parsons and Hughey's fielder's choice.

Michaels had three hits, while Norton, Jolley, Parson and Hughey all had two for Post 109. Lee Gerwick, Bobby Jackson and Biershenk also hit safely for Gaffney.

Gaffney hosts Spartanburg in an early-season showdown today. Jackson will get the start.

"It will be a game between two of the better teams in the league," Osment said. "It will give us a chance to see where the teams stack up."

Gaffney is 2-0 in league VI play.