The Worthington Senior American Legion team had its season come to an end Thursday as Post 5 was defeated by the Mankato Americans, 6-2, in the sub-state tournament in Mankato.
Worthington, which entered the tourney as the No. 6 seed, grabbed a quick 1-0 edge in the top of the first inning when Tate Gaul reached base on a dropped fly ball and came around to a score on a double by Tommy Lais. The fourth-seeded Mankato Americans, however, struck for five runs in the bottom of the second and remained in control the rest of the way,
Post 5 scored its second run in the seventh inning when Tucker Brandner reached on an error and came home on an RBI double by Jake Brandner. Worthington collected a total of six hits in the game – the season as its opponent.
Kent Lais pitched the first three innings for Post 5, and Tucker Brandner threw final three frames and allowed no runs. Coach Tim Gaul credited his reliever with excellent pitching against a very tough team.
Gaul said he was happy he opted to come back and coach the team his season with a roster that included son Tate, adding that was it enjoyable to spend time with the squad and get a bonus season of coaching with close friend Stacy Sauerbrei. He added that he felt as if the team grew as a group throughout the year and hopes many of them will keep playing competitive baseball – potentially with the Worthington Cubs amateur team.
Post 5 ends the season with a record of 17-7.
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