It took a dramatic comeback, but Albemarle Post 74 moved just one win away from another District 13 championship as they fought back in the ninth inning to best Spotsylvania Post 320 on Monday night, 5-4.
After scoring once in the first, Post 74 found itself in a 4-1 hole until Ryan Leake’s ground rule double in the seventh brought home Connor Lilley to make a 2-run game.
Albemarle took the lead in the eighth when Keegan Woolford reached on an error with the bases loaded. In the top of the ninth Spotyslvania put a runner on base but after reliever Jacob Rich struck out a batter, Lea Carneal fielded a ground ball at shortstop, touched second and ended the game with a throw to first.
Post 74 starter Jack Maynard threw seven innings in a no decisison, but only gave up two earned runs while striking out eight batters.
As the top dog of the winner’s bracket, Albemarle now gets Tuesday off and awaits its opponent for Wednesday where it can wrap up a tournament victory. In the double elimination format, the team that comes out of loser’s bracket will have to beat Post 74 on both Wednesday and Thursday to advance. Post 74 goes into the day off with Monticello rising junior and starting pitcher Josh Malm on full rest.
