107th Article at the Independent

JUNIOR LEGION BASEBALL: Marshall 15U Orange falls to Brandon Valley (S.D.) 4-3 in opening day of Junior Legion tournament

CHRIS DRUMMOND

cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

MILROY — The Marshall 15U VFW Orange baseball team looked to get out to a hot start in the first day of the Marshall Junior Legion tournament on Friday. But unlike the conditions they were playing in, Marshall Orange instead saw Brandon Valley (S.D.) gain an early lead before a late rally attempt by Marshall fell short in a 4-3 final.

Marshall Orange had a tough start, surrendering two runs in the first inning giving Brandon Valley the early lead over Marshall Orange.

However, Marshall Orange would respond. After Marshall Orange drew a walk and got hit by a pitch early in the fifth inning, outfielder Sam Thor laced a fastball to right-center, trimming the deficit to one. On the next batter, Brandon Valley threw two consecutive wild pitches allowing Thor to score and tie things up at 3-all.

In the very next inning, though, Brandon Valley would load the bases before a hit-by-pitch brought in the go-ahead run and ultimately the 4-3 final.

Marshall Orange head coach Peyton Grant spoke about his team’s performance in the loss.

We have a very good team, I wanted us to come out, be competitive, give effort and be confident in playing because we are a really good team,” Grant said. “We have to hit the ball well. We had like four hits in the game today, so I would like to see us hit the ball well tomorrow.”

Grant also added that Liam Kruse pitched a great game, mixing up pitches and really controlling the game. He also said he’s excited to see him be on the Varsity level and see how he performs in a couple of years.

Marshall Orange outfielder Alex Franson would have a game-high two hits in the game. The Orange will play again in Milroy today at 9:30 a.m in the second game of tournament and will face Mankato West VFW.

BV 200 101 0 4

Marshall VFW 000 030 0 3

Hitting: Marshall (Franson 2-4; Bly 1-4; Thor 1-3, 2 RBI).

Pitching (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): Marshall (Kruse 6.1-4-3-5-3-8; Kraft 0.2-0-0-0-0).