Effingham Senior Legion 3-0 In Mattoon Firecracker Classic (UPDATED)

MATTOON -- Effingham Senior Post 120 finished the rain-shortened Mattoon Firecracker Classic Senior Baseball Tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. The Seniors were leading in the final contest 2-1 in the third inning over Shelby County. The game was called because of rain.

The manager of the Mattoon Senior Legion baseball tournament contacted Effingham and Effingham Legion Post 120 was crowned co-champions of the Mattoon Firecracker Classice Tournament with Danville.  This was determined by record, head to head competition, and runs allowed.

Effingham defeated Robinson Post 69 A Saturday, 15-3 in six innings. The Seniors scored six runs in the sixth on a passed ball, an RBI single by Kevin Daugherty, a wild pitch and a two-run single by Carter Hayes. Hayes finished with three singles and four RBI. Nick Miller was perfect at the dish, going three-for-three with a single in the first, fifth and sixth innings.

Zach Gardewine had a seven strikeout performance, allowing one earned run on five hits and two walks over six innings.

Sunday was a day Alex Hoelscher will remember forever as he threw a no-hitter in Effingham's 4-0 victory over Aviston Post 1239 Express. Hoelscher was in control the entire contest. No Aviston Post 1239 Express batter was able to locate Hoelscher's pitches during the game. Hoelscher struck out six batters and walked none while recording his momentus feat. He got Lucas Deimeke to strike out for the final out of the game.

"Alex was outstanding against a very good baseball team," said Dave Woltman. "With his pitching, the catching of Kyle Bourgeois and the team's defense, Alex led the team to this accomplishment. His command was exceptional."

Hutson Graham racked up four RBI on two hits. He doubled in the third and fifth innings. Hayes had two singles and a double.

Effingham then defeated Decatur County Post 105AA, 11-1 in five innings. Effingham sccored five runs in the fourth on a two-run homer by Miller, a solo shot by Reid Kocher and a two-run single by Gardewine.

Graham struck out five, paving the way for the win. He allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks in five ininngs.

Effingham never trailed after scoring three runs in the second on an RBI double by Kyle Bourgeois. Effingham tacked on one more run in the bottom of the third when Kocher stole home. Hayes finished with a single, double and one RBI, Kocher with four singles and an RBI and Daugherty with three singles and an RBI.

Mattoon Tournament

Saturday Game

Effingham          101    526    --    15-12-0

Robinson            100    110    --      3-  5-2

WP -- Gardewine. LP -- Jones.

Effingham Post 120 -- Miller, 3 singles; Kocher, single, 1 RBI; Hayes, 3 singles, 4 RBI; Graham, single, 2 RBI; Zuber, single; Daugherty, single, 1 RBI; White, single; Buhrmann, single, 1 RBI

Robinson Post 69 A -- Maus, single; Woods, 2 singles, 1 RBI; Ramsey, 1 RBI; Grisson, single; Sparrow, single

Sunday Games

Game Two

Effingham           101    010    1    --    4-10-0

Aviston                 000    000    0    --    0-  0-0

WP -- Hoelscher. LP --  Deiters.

Effingham Post 120 -- Miller, 2 singles; Kocher, single; Hayes, 2 singles, double; Zuber, single; Graham, 2 doubles, 4 RBI; Daugherty, single

Aviston Post 1239 Express -- no hits

Game Three

Macon County            000    01    --      1-   4-0

Effingham                   031    52    --    11-15-0

WP -- Graham. LP -- Spraque.

Macon County Post 105AA -- Mechling, single; Spraque, single; Harper, single; Bloch, triple, 1 RBI

Effingham Post 120 -- Miller, 2 singles, 2 RBI; Hayes, single, double, 1 RBI; Kocher, 4 singles, 1 RBI; Zuber, single; Daugherty, 3 singles, 1 RBI; Gardewine, single, 2 RBI; Bourgeois, double, 1 RBI; Burhmann, single