Manitowoc Post 88 dropped a 2-1 decision to Eau Claire in their opening game of the 2023 AAA American Legion State Baseball Tournament in Marinette Tuesday.
Eau Claire would score an unearned run in the bottom of the second inning to grab a 1 to nothing lead.
It would stay that way until the top of the seventh inning when Nathan Stephany would drive in Reece Stangel on a groundout to short to tie the game at 1.
Eau Claire would score the game winner in the bottom of the seventh on a bases loaded walk with two outs to advance into the winner’s bracket.
Stephany pitched 6 and two-thirds innings allowing the two runs on four hits as he had to be removed at that point due a pitch count limit. Damien Gretz came on in relief and surrendered the bases loaded walk.
Eau Claire pitcher and University of Texas recruit Cole Selvig went the distance allowing the one run on two hits to earn the win while Stephany took the loss.
Post 88 falls to 18 and 9 and will play a consolation round game at 11 a.m. Wednesday morning and must win that game to remain alive in the tournament.
