The Manitowoc American Legion 19u baseball team has its back against the wall.
Post 88 is now one loss away from elimination as they fell to Kimberly 9-8 last night in Regional playoff action.
Kimberly jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but the Manitowoc squad battled back, knotting the game at 5 after three innings.
Post 88 also took an 8-7 lead after a three-run 5th inning, but Kimberly struck back in the 6th with a pair, and held on for the win.
Manitowoc Lincoln’s Bennet Johnson was tagged with the loss, allowing all 9 Kimberly runs on just 8 hits while also striking out 6 batters.
At the plate, Post 88 posted 7 hits, but only one went for extra bases, a double from fellow Shipbuilding Cade Grapentine.
Manitowoc also drew 10 walks, but struck out 9 times.
Benson Dickrell, Gabe Eichman, and Noah Blaser, all from Manitowoc Lincoln, as well as Roncalli product Jake Hilmer, all drove home runs in the loss.
Post 88 will now have to win out if they want to secure a spot in the state tournament, and that all starts tonight with a 5:00 p.m. contest against the Appleton DoubleDays at Sunset Park in Kimberly.
The winner moves on to face the loser of the matchup between Kimberly and Neenah, while the loser’s season is over.
