Post 18 Shows No Mercy Over Wentzville

By Wyatt Hardy

On Friday, the Sullivan Post 18 team defeated the Wentzville Post 323, 4-1 for their second victory of the season. These juniors have been trying to find their rhythm on offense and continue a strong defense against their opponents. This matchup against Wentzville proved that they are just finding their momentum and are ready to pop off.

The game started off with Cambrian Koch of Sullivan singling on a line drive. But the high didn’t last too long as three straight-outs were made right after.

Wentzville took the bat, and Blake Gerland singled on a ground ball to second baseman Kaden Smith. On the next play, as Alex Mack was swinging, Gerland was caught trying to steal second. Catcher Gibson Halbert quickly threw to Smith, and he tagged second base for the first out. Pitcher Dustin Lappe then worked his magic and struck out the current and next batter.

Top of the second inning, bases were loaded, and Sullivan was ready to take control of the game. With two outs, it was all or nothing. Koch didn’t let his teammates down, swinging hard and far on a line drive. Beckett and McReynolds just barely made it home, tallying up the score, 2-0.

Wentzville returned with vengeance, yet Lappe would not let them take the lead. He struck out Dalton and grounded Justin Daly out by throwing to first baseman Beckett. Suddenly, in the next three plays, they got all bases loaded. Lappe struck out Dowdy for the third out, bringing Wentzville’s close attempts to score to a halting stop.

Playmaker Lappe transitioned from the mound to the bat and made his way to first base as he singled on a fly ball to right fielder Holschen. But Sullivan did not get anywhere as the next three batters were struckout.

Wentzville finally scored when Dalton swung a hard fast ground ball to Alex Toews, allowing Mack to score from third to home plate. Now 2-1, Sullivan quickly realized that Wentzville was about to cash in on runs and effectively stomped their opportunity.

Sullivan was not done with their high-powered offense. McReynolds singled on a ground ball to first baseman Washington. Skaggs successfully walked to first base, and McReynolds advanced to second. Koch returned and grounded out, Skaggs advancing to third and McReynolds seizing the opportunity to bring up the score, 3-1. Toews then singled on a hard ground ball, allowing Skaggs to make it to home plate as well. Sullivan left the inning beating Wentzville, 4-1.

Bottom of the fourth, Gerland safely advances to third on a dropped third strike. He was eager to make a run for home plate, but Smith and Beckett saved the day by grounding Dalton out for the third out. The Post 18 stepped back onto the bat, but had three consecutive strikeouts.

The offense turned over to Wentzville with Halmick in as pitcher for Sullivan. Holschen grounded out with Koch throwing to Beckett for the first out. Then Brendan Daly flew a far ball out to center fielder Bouse, who gripped it with all his might. Halmick struck out Hofmeister in his attempts to reach third in a quick defensive stop.

Top of the sixth, Sullivan couldn’t quite make it to the bases as pitcher Mack put a hold on the high they enjoyed earlier. Three rapid strikeouts left Wentzville going for another shot at offense.

Sullivan’s defense continued to show no mercy, Koch flinging the ball to Beckett, grounding McDowwell out. Beckett continued his success, tagging first base to get Gerland gone for the second out. Halmick came in clutch and struck out Mack, diminishing Wentzville’s confidence.

The seventh began with Post 18 still struggling at bat. Wentzville had figured out all their tricks and shut them down in hopes that the offense would have enough to come back to secure a win with the score still relatively close. Their dugout cheered to amp up their energy at bat. But they did not get anywhere, Washington striking out and Dalton grounding out. With two outs, Mueller gave it his all and doubled on a high fly ball to the outfield. Yet Koch and Beckett grounded Holschen out next to secure the win for Sullivan.

This victory has brought optimism to the Sullivan Post 18 team and showcased a very powerful defense that has been scaring their opponents. Through the power of perseverance and incredible teamwork, they gained their second win of the season. It will surely boost their confidence and strengthen their bond as teammates.