Post 109 juniors armed and ready for tourney

Joey Copeland and his Post 109 junior teammates open the state tournament today against Marion. The formula for capturing the American Legion Junior state tournament is simple: overpowering pitching and error-free defense.

"Pitching and defense wins championships," Gaffney coach Travis Clary.

Gaffney had plenty of pitching in its playoff series against York. Michael Wright allowed just three hits in Gaffney's 12-2 series-opening win over York. Corey Crissone matched Wright's effort with a three-hitter in a 5-4 series-clinching victory last Wednesday.

But Post 109 must shore up its defense, which made seven errors in the second game against York. But wet field conditions played a factor in the game.

Gaffney. the tournament's No. 2 seed, opens the state tournament today at 4 p.m. against seventh seeded Marion.

Sumter is the tournament's No. 1 seed in the double-elimination tournament hosted by Lake City. Florence, Conway, Lancaster, Waccamaw and Lake City round out the 8-team field.

Clary said it's hard to handicap the field. But he said teams from the lower state have more experience in the tournament.

But a lack of experience hasn't hindered Gaffney, so far.

"We really didn't have any expectations heading into our first season," Clary said.

"We didn't know what everybody else had. I know the lower state teams have more experience, but I don't think we'll be intimidated at the tournament."

Wright will start against Marion. Control will be a key for Wright, according to Clary. Wright is undefeated this season.

"As long as he throws strikes, he'll be fine," Clary said.

The state tournament will conclude with the championship game on Sunday.

The state champion will not advance to a regional tournament.

"This is as far as we can go," Clary said. "We've won 11 out of our last 12 games. The kids have a lot of confidence."