American Legion: Post 167 captures 24th District title

They say you only get one chance to make a first impression and for the Harrisburg American Legion baseball team, their first impression was a good one.

The caveat is this - Harrisburg had an American Legion baseball team until about 10 years ago - over the weekend, the newly formed Post 167 swept the competition, winning the District 24 Tournament as they knocked off Carmi 8-4.

Harrisburg (13-5) trotted out three pitchers in picking up the win as Bryce Emery pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing two runs, while Austin Hefner worked 1 1/3 innings, allowing two runs. Matthew Phipps worked three scoreless innings to complete the game.

Offensively, Patrick Bittle pounded out three hits, while Drew Woolcott knocked out two hits.

Jordan Gould, Emery and Phipps each had one hit.

"We had a great tournament, I am very happy and proud of the played from what they have achieved this being our first year back in Legion baseball and the tournament," Harrisburg head coach Doug Emery said. "We are looking forward to playing in the Divisional Tournament at Carmi."

Harrisburg will now turn its attention to today's (Monday's) game with Teutopolis at Carmi in the Fifth Division American Legion Playoffs, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Other games on Monday include Herrin vs. Mt. Vernon at 3:30 p.m. and Carmi vs. Murphysboro at 7:30 p.m.

"The tournament will be double elimination as long as the weather holds up," Emery said. "We are playing about as good as we can, I hope that continues (today). Pitching will be the key for us as games are now all going to be nine inning games."

The winner of the Harrisburg-Teutopolis game will play Edwardsville on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Emery noted Sunday evening that he would go with Phipps on the bump in Game 1 of the tournament.

"Right now, I have to go with Phipps. That being said, everyone is ready and I will use everybody if I have too."

Winning the Fifth Division Tournament for Harrisburg would be a first since 1979, the best that Emery can remember, when Post 167 lost to Barrington 3-2 and got third in the nationals.