Lancaster, Post 109 juniors set for first-round playoff tilt

Jonathan Smith and his Post 109 Jr. League teammates host Lancaster today in the bestof three playoff series. Post 109 American Legion Junior League coach Travis Clary likes his team'S chances in its first round playoff series against Lancaster.

It's easy to see why.

Post 109 holds a 2-1 edge in the season series and will be at full strength for the first time in several games.

"We match up well against them," said Clary, whose team finished the regular season with a 10-5 mark.

Clary also said he feels good about his chances because Lancaster lacks a pitcher with overpowering stuff.

"They have good pitchers but they don't have a dominant pitcher," he said.

Post 109 will be at full strength with the return of a couple of starters who have missed the last few games.

Each of the games with Lancaster followed the same pattern: Post 109 would jump out to a big lead before holding off a Lancaster late-inning rally.

Post 109 will host game one of the best-of-three series today at 7 p.m. Game two will be played Tuesday at Lancaster on Tuesday. Game three, if necessary, will likely be played Thursday at Commissioners Field because of a scheduling conflict with American Legion Post 109.

Matt Gault, Post 109's most reliable pitcher, will get the start today. Gault is coming off two straight shutout victories.

"He just goes out there and competes and he throws strikes," Clary said.

Clary said the winner of game one will have the edge in the series.

"You try to get the first win to take the pressure off," he said.

Playing solid defense also is important, according to Clary.

"You can't give the team extra outs," he said.

The Post 109-Lancaster winner will advance to the state tournament.