Central Spartans Downed By Washington in 15-0 Rout

The Washington Post 218 American Legion Baseball Team had few problems with the Central Spartans last night in a contest at Clarence and Huster Field.

Post 218 defeated Central in a 15-0 rout. The contest was stopped after seven innings due to the 10-run rule.

“If you don’t hit, you’re not going to win,” Spartans manager Brain Vaught said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Washington pitcher Tyler Seim worked all seven innings. He gave up just three hits, walked one and struck out two in the shutout. Post 218’s defense took advantage of quality opportunities, as it turned double plays in the third and fourth innings.

Washington’s offense was no less impressive. The team banged out 12 hits.

Post 218 started producing runs early in the contest. Catcher Josh Brewer’s one-run single in the first inning gave Washington a 1-0 advantage. Post 218 scored three more runs in the second and one in the third. In both innings Washington displayed a knack for late inning, timely hitting. Austin Mathis scored Post 218’s second run when Spartan pitcher Jimmy McGrath walked Phil Landwehr with the bases loaded. Mic Fox’s two out, two run single made the score 4-0. Mathis’ two out, one run single in the third gave Post 218 a 5-0 lead.

“We went out and hit the ball and got the job done today,” Washington manager Mike Gardner said. “Any of the nine kids we have in the lineup that can hit. When your ninth batter is just as good as your third or fourth batter, it makes you pretty tough to beat.”   

Post 218’s momentum was briefly stalled in the fourth when it stranded two runners, but it would make the fifth a big inning. One-run singles from Brett Backhaus and Fox gave Washington a seven-run advantage. Washington scored it eighth run when Landwehr advanced to first on a fielder’s choice and Mathis ran home from third.  Fox’s sacrifice fly allowed Jack Kopmann the opportunity to come home and score the ninth run. Post 218 scored its 10th run when a low pitch from the Spartans Kyle Grover popped out of catcher Jonny Langford’s glove. Langford chased the ball behind the plate and Landwehr ran home from third.  Washington scored five more runs in the seventh.

Two of the three Spartan hits came late in the contest, as Travis Vaught and Andrew Maxey singled in the seventh. Langford singled in the second. Five pitchers threw for Central: McGrath—the starting pitcher—Andrew Tedder, Grover, Joe Toeniskoetter, and Tommy Gronek. 

The Central Spartans drop to 4-5 with the loss. Washington improves to 14-1.