With a two-run eighth inning to tie the game, Concord Post 21 had momentum on its side against Sweeney Post 2 and thoughts of revenge against Rochester on its mind.
With Nathan Proulx’s walkoff single in the tenth for Sweeney, however, that dream slipped away as Concord fell to Post 2, 7-6, in 10 innings in the New Hampshire Senior Legion State Tournament.
Concord had a couple of chances to pull ahead of Sweeney, putting runners on base in the ninth and the 10th innings, but Post 21 was unable to capitalize and stranded a pair in both frames.
“In the eighth inning, I thought we had some good momentum going there,” said Concord Coach Matt Skoby. “We’ve been excellent coming from behind and we’ve battled back before.”
Despite the loss, Concord had a number of notable player performances. Noah Wachter scattered three hits, while Conor Blandini and Jacob Knowles each posted two RBI.
Starting pitcher Wesley Lamphere also had a standout game for Concord, pitching all the way into extra frames.
“He hasn’t pitched that long all year,” Skoby said. “He was really solid.”
Despite Concord’s tournament coming to a tough end, Skoby knows his team gave everything they had right up until the closing seconds.
“When there’s a tomorrow, you never have a season-ending speech ready,” Skoby said, “But I’m totally proud of them and how hard they played this summer.”
Sweeney advances to face powerhouse Rochester Post 7 on Wednesday at Gill Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
If Sweeney wins, a second game will be played to determine the state champion. Post 7 needs one win to take the tournament title.