It was a case of contrasting story lines Tuesday night in American Legion baseball at Kiwanis Field in Salem between Roanoke Post 3 and Big Island.
The first five innings were a pitchers duel before lightning sent both teams to the clubhouse for a mandatory 30 minute delay. Roanoke Post 3 starter Harrison Richards had thrown a gem to that point, allowing only two runs (one earned), and the teams tied 2-2.
When play resumed, Roanoke seemed to be heading for its ninth win of the season after taking a 6-3 lead into the eighth. But, Big Island erupted for six runs in the frame to go ahead 9-6.
Roanoke scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to close to 9-8, but Big Island recorded the final out with Post 3 having the bases loaded. The loss dropped Roanoke to 8-2 on the season.
Andrew Peterson led the Post 3 offense with four hits, while Hayes Nelson and Ben Schmidt each collected a pair of hits for Roanoke.
Post 3 returns to action Thursday night (July 11th) at Kiwanis when they take on Danville in a 7:00 p.m. start. Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Post 3 battles Botetourt, also at Kiwanis.
– Bill Turner
