Beech Creek Crickets drop state American Legion tourney opener

LATROBE, PA – The Beech Creek American Legion baseball team lost its opener Monday at the state tournament at Rosa-Oglietti Park in Latrobe, falling to Paxton by an 11-5 score.

The Crickets gave up three runs in the first and two in the second and trailed 5-0 at that point. But in the top of the third Gabe Johnson hit a 3-run homer and Connor Foltz a 2-run dinger, tying things up at 5-5.

Paxton scored three runs in the bottom of the third and broke things open with a 5-spot in the bottom of the sixth on the way to the 11-5 final.

Nate Helms had three singles for Beech Creek, Elek Fravel a double and a single as the Crickets were held to seven hits.

Ty Houtz and Chase Brush pitched for Beech Creek, Houtz taking the loss.

The Crickets return to play Tuesday in an elimination contest with the loser of a Monday night game between Latrobe and Wesleyville.

BC 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 = 5-7-1
P 3 1 2 0 0 5 x = 11-14-0