Legion squad splits first series
After the first doubleheader of the American Legion baseball season, coach Andy Gilner knows his players must overcome the same downfall that plagued his Tonganoxie High team in the spring — baserunners need to find their way home.
Tonganoxie left nine runners on base in game one against the Bonner Springs Cobras on Monday and another six in the second game.
“We’re still leaving a lot of people on base,” Gilner said.
Tonganoxie dropped game one, 14-6, in five innings, but the team responded in the second game, blanking the Cobras, 8-0, in five innings in that contest.
In that game, Hunter Samuels broke out of a recent slump with a home run and a double. Kirk Rodell also had a hot bat. He went 3-for-3 in the first game and 4-for-6 overall in the doubleheader.
Defensively in game 2, Tonganoxie allowed just two hits against the Cobras. Tonganoxie also issued four walks against the Bonner Springs club.
After being dominated in the first game, Tonganoxie returned the favor as both games ended early. The games were cut short because of mercy rules. High school mercy rules stop games after five innings if one team leads by 10 or more. In Legion ball, however, the team leading must only be ahead by eight.
Now 1-1, the Chieftains play today, again in Bonner Springs, but this time against the Knights. Game times are set for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Bonner Springs High School baseball field.
Box scores
Tonganoxie 104 01 — 6 7 4
BS Cobras 094 01 — 14 6 3
BS Cobras 000 00 — 0 2 1
Tonganoxie 320 03 — 8 9 1