Manitowoc’s 19 U Post 88 American Legion baseball team has qualified for the AAA State baseball Tournament next week in Stevens Point.
They defeated Kimberly twice on their home turf, rallying to win 7-6, setting up a winner-take-all elimination game.
Kimberly led 4 to 2 after one inning, before Seth Gibeault and Cade Voelker each hit two-run homers in the top of the fifth to put Post 88 up 6 to 4.
They would hold off Kimberly in the end to force a rematch for a trip to the state tournament.
Zachary Bradl led Post 88 with three hits in four at-bats, with Nick Braun adding two hits as part of an 11-hit attack.
Bennett Johnson earned the victory for Manitowoc. He went the distance (seven innings), allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits, walking three, and striking out four.
Meanwhile, it was all Manitowoc in the rematch as Post 88 scored 11 runs in the first inning en route to a 13- 2 victory over Kimberly to earn a trip to state.
Brayden Steinbecker, who was named regional MVP, had two hits, including a home run.
Zachary Bradl, Nick Braun, and Gabe Eichmann added two hits each as Aaron Stephany earned the victory.
He pitched five innings, allowing two runs and five hits, walking none and striking out two.
Manitowoc improves to 19-9 as they will play Middleton in their opening game of the AAA State tournament Tuesday at 4:30 in Stevens Point.
