Day 11: Columbia, TN Tournament

On the 11th day of this 12 day trip, the 2010 team may have had one of the most impressive offensive days in Post 34 history. In two games shortened to five innings due to the run rule, the team scored its Post number (34 runs). It was not done against just anybody either. Douglasville (GA) Post 145, a favorite for the Georgia State Title this season, was the first victim by a score of 15-5. In the quarterfinals of the tournament, Post 34 defeated Paducah (KY) Post 31, a regular favorite in Kentucky American Legion Baseball, by a score of 19-1.
On Sunday, Post 34 will play in the semifinals against Hit after Hit out of Nashville. Post 34 defeated Hit after Hit in last year's semifinals of this tournament. The tournament was canceled following that semifinal game after a heavy rain fell at Columbia State. Alex Aultman will get the start on the mound for Post 34.

Game 4
Tuscaloosa (AL) Post 34 - 15
Douglasville (GA) Post 145 - 5

Middle Reliever/Closer Brad McCool made his first start of the season in Game Four and final pool play game of the Independence Day Classic. Because both teams were 3-0, they were already in the quarterfinals but this game would determine #1 & #2 seeds. McCool gave up a lead off home run in the top of the first but then retired 12 consecutive hitters. In the fifth, with Post 34 up 15-1, McCool gave up another lead off home run. Douglasville would go on to score four more runs in the inning. For the game, McCool allowed 6 hits and two walks.
Post 34 answered Post 145's first inning run when Sam Kelley hit a sacrifice fly to score Christo Sullivan. In the third inning broke the game open with an eight run inning. In the fourth inning, Post 34 added 5 runs to put Post 34 out front 15-1. Chase Fields had two home runs in the game and Cameron Carlisle also had a home run.
With the win, Post 34 advanced to the quarterfinals to face Paducah (KY) Post 31. Hitters for Post 34 include: Chase Fields (3-4 with a single and two home runs) and Cameron Carlisle (3-3 with two singles and a home run). For the game Post 34 had 9 hits and reached base via walk 7 times.

Game 2
Tuscaloosa (AL) Post 34 - 19
Paducah (KY) Post 31 - 1

Post 34 was incredible at the plate in its quarterfinal game with Paducah Post 31. Post 34 scored in all four innings. Chase Fields hit his third home run of the day. Tanner Ashcraft also added a home run and Jacob Bush finished a double shy of the cycle. As impressive as the team was at the plate, starter Chase Davidson may have been even better. In four innings pitched, Davidson threw 42 pitches and only gave up one hit and one walk. Davidson struck out 6 to take his record for the season to 4-1.
Post 34 hitters include: Tanner Ashcraft (2-3 with a double and HR); Cameron Carlisle (2-3 with two doubles); Sam Kelley (2-3 with two doubles); Jacob Bush (3-3 with a single, triple, and a HR).