American Legion: Off On The Right Foot

Harrisburg American Legion Post 167 squeezed out a win Wednesday in its season-opener with Metropolis at Gibbs Field.

Patrick Bittle laid down a squeeze bunt, scoring Bryce Emery to lead Harrisburg to a 8-7 win in eight innings over Metropolis Post 306, giving Harrisburg its first victory of the season.

Emery led the eighth off for Harrisburg and that was followed by a Brady Mayer pop out. Noah Vallette sent a fly ball that landed in for a single and Britton Riden loaded the bases.

With Bittle in the batters box, Metropolis made a pitching change and had Harrisburg head coach Doug Emery a short conversation with Emery and Bittle.

"I told Patrick we're going to squeeze after the first strike. It really just worked out perfectly."

Bittle worked a 1-1 count and on the next pitch, laid down the squeeze scoring Emery.

"What an outstanding start to a legion season," an elated Doug Emery said afterwards. "Just unbelievable. It was just a great game all around, a good game on both sides. We were lucky enough to come out on the right end."

Emery picked up the win on the mound for Harrisburg, allowing two runs in four innings.

Emery came on in relief of starter Brady Mayer, who went four innings as well, giving up five runs.

It was a nice return for Mayer, who this past season was a freshman at Kaskaskia Junior College.

"Brady hasn't pitched since his last year in high school, which has been over a year," Emery said. When Bryce replaced him and he went back behind the plate, is where I saw the true Brady. He's a great defensive catcher and is going to make our pitchers better this year."

Harrisburg had nine hits on the night as Bittle finished with a team-high three hits. Emery, Vallette and Britton Riden all had two. Austin Hefner, Mayer and Tyler Lightner each had one hit.

"All the kids played really well," Emery said. "That was just two good teams battling it out there. Metropolis is going to be one of the best teams we face this year, but if our kids play like they did (tonight), win or lose, I'll be happy.

Harrisburg returns to Gibbs Field Friday when Post 167 will play host to Evansville Pate in a nine inning game, starting at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Harrisburg travels to Brooks Stadium in Paducah, beginning at 4 p.m. for another nine inning affair.

Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Daily Register. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.