The Kenai Post 20 Twins won the American Legion Alaska State Tournament crown Saturday night, but they did so without beating Juneau.
For Juneau Post 25 (28-3), their season ended with third place in a 8-6 loss to Service on Saturday. Prior to that game they defeated the Twins in convincing fashion 7-1.
Juneau Post 25 was the top seed going into the American Legion State tournament held at Mulcahy Park in Anchorage this week.
The tournament is double elimination, and Kenai’s loss marked its first, guaranteeing them a spot in the championship. In Juneau’s battle to play Kenai for the title, Service started the game by scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. It was the first time in the tournament that Juneau had not scored first.
Service built a 4-0 lead until the third inning, when leadoff hitter Donovan McCurley was walked and then stole second and third base. Michael Cesar walked and later scored on a slow grounder by Finn Collins. The throw would be scored an error, but it was forced by the speed of Collins running hard down the line.
Juneau tied the game in the seventh inning when Zeb Storie walked and Cesar singled. Storie scored on a fielder’s choice and Cesar scored on a double by Bryce Swofford.
Service added three more runs in the top of the eighth to extend a 7-4 lead. In the bottom of the inning Jake Tanner walked and Alex Muir reached base on an error. Both scored on a double to right centerfield by Cesar.
Cesar advanced to third when Collins reached on an error, and Philip Wall was walked to load the bases. Juneau attempted the element of surprise, and Cesar raced from third to steal home plate. The play was close but Cesar was called out and the inning was over.
Service added one more run in the top of the ninth for the final 8-6 score. Swofford singled to start the bottom of the ninth but the next three Juneau batters were retired, giving Service the right to play Kenai for the title game. It was Service’s third time in the tournament dodging elimination.
Juneau started the tournament with a 16-1 win over Ketchikan, then lost to Wasilla 5-3, won 5-4 against Dimond and then defeated Kenai 7-1.
Juneau Post 25 will return next season with all but three of its players and high hopes for a title shot.
