The New Hampshire American Legion baseball tournament will open on July 24 at Holman Stadium in Nashua, bringing together two Seacoast‑area teams that have earned their spots through strong regular‑season performances.
Opening Round Matchups
Rochester Post 7 will meet Lebanon, the District A No. 2 seed, at 1 p.m., while Exeter Post 32 takes on Laconia, the District A No. 3 seed, later that afternoon at 4 p.m.
Exeter finished the regular season at 11‑4, capturing the District B No. 2 seed, whereas Rochester went 8‑7 to claim the District B No. 3 seed. This marks the first time Rochester has reached the state tournament since 2019, and Exeter is making its third straight appearance.
Coaching Perspectives
Rochester’s head coach Nate Locke praised his squad’s resilience, noting the team opened the season 7‑3 before a 1‑4 slump in the final five games. Tim Mitropoulos, who leads Exeter, expects a tough battle against Laconia and believes the opponent’s recent form makes them a serious threat.
Key Players
Hunter Spencer, a 2026 graduate of Spaulding High School, is slated to start Game 1 for Rochester, adding a fresh arm to the rotation. Locke highlighted Spencer’s potential to set the tone early, while Mitropoulos pointed to his own team’s depth as a competitive edge.
Title Outlook
Both programs acknowledge Bedford, the District A No. 1 seed, as the tournament favorite. Bedford posted a perfect 17‑0 regular season, including three shutouts and allowing three runs or fewer in eleven games, positioning them as the team to beat.
The championship game is scheduled for July 28, and the winners will advance to represent New Hampshire at the regional level.