The 2026 American Legion baseball season has officially begun, and Manitowoc Post 88’s 19U team could not have had a more promising start.
In game one on Sunday, Manitowoc Lincoln graduate Bennett Johnson hurled a complete game shutout, and nearly a no-hitter, as Post 88 earned a 5-0 win over Oshkosh Post 70.
Johnson only allowed 1 hit and walked 3 batters in the win, while also striking out 3 batters. Offensively, Manitowoc took advantage of 6 Oshkosh errors, while Aaron Stephany and Benson Dickrell each tallied 1 RBI.
Post 88 was back on the field yesterday, where they earned their second straight shutout, a 1-0 win over Bay Port.
This time, Brillion’s Joe Shimek went the distance on the mound, also allowing just one hit.
The big difference was that he also earned 10 strikeouts, while Stephany drove home Post 88’s only run.
The Manitowoc squad will be back at it tonight, once again in front of a home crowd, as they take on Ahnapee on Bruce Stinebecker Field.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
