The Big Rapids Post 98 American Legion baseball squad entered Wednesday’s zone tournament with high hopes, but the day unfolded as a tale of two outcomes. After a dominant 13‑3 victory over Mount Pleasant Post 110, the team faced a 10‑0 setback against Berryhill Post 165, leaving their championship hopes hanging in the balance.
Key Moments in the Win
The offense clicked early, with Quin Garrett and Kurt Wilber delivering timely singles that sparked a three‑run second inning. Wilber followed with a two‑run double, and Austin Gragg added a run‑scoring triple in the third. Gragg’s solo home run in the fifth capped a five‑run burst, while Emmett Lingeman earned the win by limiting Mount Pleasant to three hits and three runs over five innings. The team finished with 14 hits, two each from Gragg, Garrett, Nick Routley, Wilber and David Torrey, and Wilber drove in four RBIs.
A Tough Loss
The defeat against Berryhill was defined by pitching struggles. David Torrey took the loss after surrendering seven runs in just 1 2/3 innings, while Jon Losinski and Wilber managed only two hits for the offense. Aaron VanAssche provided a brief spark with a shutout relief appearance, but the team could not recover the deficit.
Despite the loss, the squad’s offensive firepower remained evident. Wilber’s four RBIs and the collective 14‑hit effort underscored the team’s capacity to generate runs, a trait they will need to carry into their next contest.
Looking Ahead
Post 98 is scheduled to meet Linwood Post 239 on Thursday, July 16, a game that will determine which team advances to the American Legion state finals slated for July 26‑28. With a blend of experienced arms and a deep hitting lineup, the Big Rapids squad hopes to translate its tournament lessons into a championship run.