Thurmont Legion takes lumps and keeps learning

‘‘We’re 2-12 and they still keep showing up at the ball park and have a good time,” Shank said. ‘‘It’s tough to stay focused, but they do a good job of it.”

The score had escalated to 22-0. Thurmont catcher Kyle Sanders had spent another long inning behind the plate. With two down he haphazardly dove into the backstop chasing after a harmless foul ball that would have no impact on the outcome. He made the catch as Post 168 got out of the inning.

Due to the American Legion’s 10-run mercy rule, Post 168 needed an improbable 13 runs in their half of the fifth. Sanders brought home Phil Tylicki with a double to dead center for the team’s first run. Danny Miller ran out a routine grounder and reached on an error. Victor Perez followed with a double to plate Sanders for the game’s final score.

Although they fell well short of their required tally, Thurmont displayed their grit. The squads will meet again on Wednesday evening after The Gazette’s press deadlines.

‘‘We come out here and give 100 percent,” Sanders said. ‘‘You have to play the game that way and we don’t quit.”

Pitching, or lack thereof, has been Thurmont’s prevailing concern. The team is short on arms. Miller (Catoctin) is the club’s only hurler with substantial high school experience.

‘‘We’ve had a lot of good games for four or five innings,” Shank said. ‘‘Unfortunately for my squad we run out of pitching. To be successful in Legion baseball you have to have pitching.”

Post 168’s roster is comprised predominately of Catoctin High students. Tylicki, Sanders, Miller, Zach Little, Justin Shank, Shawn Little, Justin Ridenour, Kyle Boller and Nick Torgeeso all hail from the school. Walkersville provides Perez, Allein Etzler and Mike Athey while Thomas Johnson sent Jeff Geiser. Francis Scott Key product Casey Klein rounds out the team.

Frederick (14-4) had been ailing at the plate. Too many runners were being stranded. Entering the week , Post 11 had managed just 11 total runs and a 1-3 mark in their last four outings. Their fortunes began to change Sunday when they posted 16 runs against Severna Park Post 175.

Monday saw the continuation of their recovery.

‘‘Yesterday we did it [hitting with runners on base] a little bit better, today we did it a lot better,” Post 11 head coach George Long said.

Nick Meekins led the assault with home run, triple, pair of walks and four runs batted in. Jimmy Lanning (2-for-2) also homered for Post 11.

Ray Riggles added two hits—including—a double while driving in five. Beau Smith struck out seven in five innings for the win. Post 11 did not commit an error.

During his postgame address Shank told his team to learn from their opponents. He and his team know it’s going to take time, but look forward to the challenge.

‘‘We’re getting a little better every game, even though the score doesn’t show it,” Sanders said.

‘‘Everyone comes to the ballpark excited to play and doesn’t quit.”