Effingham, Altamont, Dieterich Advance in District Play

Effingham Post 120 won in dramatic fashion over South Central in the bottom of the 10th inning Thursday night in the Junior Legion District 23 Baseball Tournament, East Division, when Alex Morrissey lifted a sacrifice fly to score Kendal Ballman for the win.

Effingham appeared to have the game well in hand as it took a 3-0 lead into the seventh inning.  After pitching a shutout and surrendering only one hit through the first six innings, pitcher Brett Koester retired the first two batters in the seventh inning  by strike out.

However, Post 120 allowed the third batter to reach base on an error and South Central took full advantage of the miscue, scoring three unearned runs to tie the score. The score remained tied until the 10th inning. Kendall Ballman led off the inning with a single and promptly stole second base. Ryan Sandifer laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt and was able to reach first base giving way to Morrissey’s sacrifice fly to win the game.

Parker Seachrist retired the final three batters and earned the victory for Effingham. Brett Koester did not get the decision although he pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing only two hits, no earned runs and striking out eight. Offensively, Ballman had two hits and scored the winning run. Ryan Sandifer, Bryce Lohman, Colin Koester and Ben Strullmyer all had hits for Post 120.

Post 120 advances in the winners bracket and will play Dieterich at 5:30 p.m. at Dieterich.  Dietrich upset Teutopolis 3-1 at Teutopolis. Teutopolis and South Central will square off tonight at 7:30 in the double  elimination tournament.

In the other contest, Altamont handed Newton a 7-5 loss. Altamont advances to face top-seeded Olney at 5:30 p.m. today at Olney.