The second round of The American Legion World Series got under way with warm temperatures that turned into a severe thunderstorm by early evening. However, kids found entertainment outside Keeter Stadium with the rock-climbing wall, flying swings and bounce houses, while Legion Baseball fans enjoyed games filled with home runs, tough defense and exciting comebacks.
Game 5: Eden Prairie, Minn., 10, Waipahu, H.I., 2
Saturday morning Eden Prairie showed their opponents they were not ready to go home. After losing to Midland, Mich., Friday, Eden Prairie came back full swing with a 10-2 win.
Eden Prairie scored in all but one of the seven innings, seeing back-to-back home runs from right fielder Lance Thonvold and first baseman Tyler Peterson, his second of the Series.
"Making the comeback is all about confidence," Peterson said. "We came out swinging and pitching well, and we knew we could win it."
Eden Prairie pitcher Tyler Ruemmele picked up the win on the mound, going seven innings with six strikeouts. Short stop Blake Schmit and third baseman Ryan Maenke each went 2-4 RBI doubles.
With its tight defense, Eden Prairie kept Waipahu on its heels, enabling the team to advance to Game 10 today. And even though they took a hard loss, the Hawaii team is not going home immediately. They are staying to enjoy the remainder of the World Series games and tour the many sites Cleveland County has to offer.
Eden Prairie (39-8) had 17 hits and one error. Waipahu (24-7) had eight hits and three errors.
Game 6: Las Vegas 11, Bedford, N.H., 0
Las Vegas triumphed in a 10-run rule-shortened game Saturday afternoon , eliminating Bedford from the tournament.
Las Vegas scored its first run in the third inning and kept the momentum going, stealing five bases and making direct contact with the bat. The fifth home run of the Series came from left fielder AJ VanMeetren, who went 1-3 with three RBIs; third baseman TJ White and second baseman Justin Jones added runs to the board with RBI doubles.
Picking up the win on the mound was Las Vegas pitcher Jerrel Latham, who threw a three-hitter with three strikeouts. Bedford got hits from Michael Skilton, Patrick Parker and Justin Walsh.
Las Vegas (48-9) had 10 hits and zero errors. Bedford (23-7) had three hits and three errors.
Game 7: Midland, Mich., 8, Brooklawn, N.J., 4
After a three-hour rain delay, New Jersey and Michigan players took the field for the presentation of the sportsmanship code, given by Sgt. George "Gunny" Lauve in his World War II dress uniform. Gunny is a highly decorated Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and veteran from World War II, serving in combat at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, and the Korean War, serving in combat at the Chosen Reservoir. He's been awarded the Navy Cross (the second highest medal for Marine and Navy personnel), Silver Star, Bronze Star and five Purple Hearts.
Once the crowds' applause for Gunny's appearance settled down, Michigan fans were in for a good game-ending surprise.
The score was 4-4 heading in to the bottom of the eighth inning, but Midland center fielder Larsen Cronkright broke the tie with a two-run double to help the Great Lakes regional champions capture an 8-4 victory.
Heading into the sixth inning and trailing 4-1, Midland began to rally when designated hitter Alex Rapanos hit a home run. Teammate Brent Precour then tied the game with a two-run single up the middle.
"This isn't the first time we've had to come back and win like this," Midland second baseman Alex Albrecht said. "We had to do it three times in the regionals against good teams like (Brooklawn). There are nine innings on a scoreboard and we are not going to give up. We are going to play all nine."
Midland pitcher Colton Loomis owned the mound with nine strikeouts while allowing five walks and 10 hits. And while Brooklawn pitcher Andrew Schorr took the loss on the mound, there is still a chance for him and his team to make a comeback Sunday against Las Vegas.
Midland (46-7) had eight hits and zero errors. Brooklawn (45-5) had 10 hits and three errors.
Game 8: Gaffney, S.C. vs. Tupelo, Miss.
Due to the unexpected rain delay, the game between Michigan and New Jersey didn't get under way until after 8 p.m. and surpassed 11 p.m., which is the cut-off time for another game to start. South Carolina and Mississippi will play at 10 a.m. (EDT) today.
Sunday World Series games (all-games EDT):
Game 8: 10 a.m. Gaffney, S.C. vs. Tupelo, Miss.
Game 9: 1 p.m. Las Vegas vs. Brooklawn, N.J.
Game 10: 5 p.m. Eden Prairie, Minn. vs. Loser game 8
Game 11: 8 p.m. Midland, Mich. vs. Winner game 8
For photos highlighting Saturday's three games, click here.
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