The Bossier Phillies, the two‑time defending champions of the American Legion Baseball Mid‑South Regional, fought back from an early hole to post a 2‑1 win over Columbia, Tennessee, on Thursday morning. The victory kept their tournament hopes alive after a first‑round loss to Bryant, Arkansas, five days earlier.
After surrendering two runs in the first five innings, the Phillies found themselves trailing 2‑0 as Columbia’s pitchers kept the pressure on. The mood in the dugout shifted when Brody Turnipseed stepped up to the plate, his bat poised to change the game.
A Sixth‑Inning Surge
Turnipseed’s one‑out single ignited the rally, and the next batter, Nate Cervantes, followed with a sharp double that moved the runner into scoring position. Jackson Waller then delivered a clutch single, driving in Turnipseed and Colton Birdsong to tie the game at 2‑2.
The momentum swung quickly. Slade Stephens struck out the next hitter, and a baserunner was caught stealing third, sealing the 2‑1 final score. The Phillies finished the game with just five hits, but they were timely and decisive.
On the mound, Tanner Webb delivered a solid outing, throwing six innings, allowing six hits, striking out eight and walking only two. Bradon Stephens closed out the final frame, preserving the narrow victory and sending the crowd home buzzing.
With the win, Bossier now turns its attention to Saturday’s 9:30 a.m. elimination game, where they will meet the loser of the Bryant, Arkansas, and Daphne, Alabama, matchup. A win there would keep their championship hopes alive heading into the next round.