Hitting has been in short supply for both teams in the series, with walks in key moments deciding all three contests. Walks will determine whether Post 109 American Junior Legion are headed for a deep march in the playoffs or a long car ride home this weekend.

Lancaster took advantage of multiple walks to rally for a 10- 9 victory Wednesday. Post 109 trails the playoff series, 2-1, and must win game 4 Friday at 7 p.m. in Lancaster to keep their season alive. If necessary, the deciding game 5 would be played in Gaffney.

The Post 109 junior legion team led 9-5 entering the sixth inning. Lancaster scored five runs in the inning to win the game.

A few defensive lapses and an inability to produce in scoring situations were contributing factors to the loss.

"We made a few mistakes defensively," Post 109 American Junior Legion coach Travis Clary said. "We struck out at the worst possible times with runners in scoring position. Our pitchers had way too many walks."

The game played out similar to the series opener when Lancaster scored six runs in the last two innings to erase a 6-2 lead and win the game 8-6. In game 2, Post 109 returned the favor when Alex Trammell scored the winning run off a walk in an 8-7 victory in extra innings.

Post 109 got off to another strong start offensively in game 3 of the playoff series.

The junior legion team roared to a 6-0 lead in the first inning.

Dylan Huskey led off the game with a home run. Ryan Frock and Bryon Munsterman had doubles in the big inning, with Frock's hit bringing in two runs for Post 109.

Post 109 had a chance to win the game in the seventh inning when the first two batters reached base. Both runners were left stranded when Lancaster pitchers held Post 109 hitless the rest of the inning.

"We just couldn't do anything in our last couple at-bats to get the runners home. We have to win Friday or our season is over," Clary said. "Walks have played a key role in the series. Our pitchers have thrown strikes in the games we have won.

"We have to be ready to go."