Post 81 loses to Augusta in final home games

It's been a very rough season for the El Dorado Post 81 American Legion baseball team, but they had a chance Thursday night to close out their home schedule at McDonald Stadium with a much-wanted victory over the rival Augusta Orioles.

The Orioles instead were able to overcome the home team's scrappy play to win both games of the doubleheader and extend Post 81's losing streak to 15 games. Augusta beat El Dorado 12-7 in the first game, and completed the sweep with a seventh-inning charge to win the nightcap 4-2.

Post 81's only win of the season was over Augusta at McDonald in the home opener last month.

Tyler Patty led Post 81 (1-16) at the plate with three hits, two runs scored, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. Jeff Scharff was the big offensive threat for Augusta (15-12) in the first game, going 4 for 5 with three runs batted in and two stolen bases. 

The Orioles exploded for six runs in the top of the second inning in the opener of Post 81 starter Mark McNown. Matt Spurgeon and Ajay Shenold hitting two-run singles, while Scharff had two hits in the inning — including a RBI double — and Jacob Smith had a RBI single.

El Dorado came back with seven runs in the bottom of the second and third innings to take the lead. 

Post 81 scored two runs in the second on a RBI single by Milton Good, with Stuart Kelley recording the other run on a fielding error. El Dorado scored five runs in the third on two-run singles by Kelley and Tyler Patty, while Ben Helfrich later scored on a wild pitch. Five of the runs were charged to starter Kyle Vogt, while the final two were charged to Jason Lauxman.

Augusta's second big inning came in the fifth inning, scoring five runs off McNown and losing pitcher Kelley. After the Orioles scored their first run on an El Dorado error, Spurgeon and James Hinman hit RBI singles, and Scharff followed with a two-run double.

The Orioles added one more run in the sixth when Cody Patten singled, stole third base and scored on a throwing error on the steal attempt.

Lauxman shut down El Dorado after the third inning to earn the victory. He gave up only two singles in the final four innings.

Post 81 got out to the lead in the nightcap on a RBI single by Ryan Gomez in the bottom of the second inning; but Augusta answered in the top of the third when Spurgeon reached base on a fielders' choice, went to third on a hit-and-run play by Hinman, and scored on a passed ball.

Both teams added runs in the fourth inning. Lauxman hit a RBI single in the top of the frame; while El Dorado answered when Baylor Parker singled, stole second, went to third on a single by McNown, and scored on a passed ball.

Neither team could take advantage of runners in scoring position in the fifth and sixth innings; but Augusta was able to take advantage of the bases loaded and two outs when Ajay Shenold hit a two-run double off losing pitcher Good.

Seth Smith allowed El Dorado to get seven hits in a complete game effort, while striking out four for the victory; while Shenold had two hits in the win.

Good also pitched a complete game, seven hits and striking out four (three of the four runs charged to him were earned). Baylor Parker had two hits, a run scored and a stolen base to lead Post 81's offense.

El Dorado's next game will be Monday in Augusta against a team comprised mainly of Wichita Collegiate players. The first game at Wheeler Stadium will be at 6 p.m.