The Big Rapids American Legion Post 98 baseball team faced a tough test in a doubleheader against the Manistee Saints, dropping the first game 10-0 before turning the tide with a 5-4 victory in the nightcap.
A Split That Keeps Hope Alive
Emmett Lingemann took the loss on the mound, surrendering five runs over three innings, while the Saints capitalized on early mistakes to build a comfortable lead.
In the second game, Post 98 struck first in the third inning when a defensive error opened the door for a run, and the team never looked back, ultimately securing the win with a late rally.
Caleb Somers paced the offense with three hits, and Russell Toth contributed two RBIs, including a decisive single that tied the game in the fifth before the seventh‑inning surge.
Aidan Anderson earned the win, limiting the Saints to two runs over 4 ⅓ innings, and Russell Toth closed out the contest with 1 ⅔ scoreless frames, underscoring the team’s depth.
The split improves Post 98’s record to 5‑12‑2 and sets up a Wednesday showdown with Mount Pleasant Post 110, a matchup that could define their season.
With the American Legion state tournament looming in late July, the squad hopes to carry this momentum into a busy stretch that includes games in Evart, Reed City, and beyond.