After coming up short a year ago, Albemarle Post 74 is back to make another run at the state American Legion baseball title.
Post 74 (24-4) opens the tournament today against Richmond Post 361 (18-6) at American Legion Post 325 Memorial Stadium in Danville.
Post 74, led by a pair of Albemarle products in outfielders Vince Coles — now at Louisburg (N.C.) College — and Rashad Talley, rode a strong offense to a repeat District 12 championship, clinching a trip to the state tournament with a 16-3 run-rule victory over Spotsylvania Post 320 last Tuesday. Several other Patriots – notably shortstop Joey Varaksa, third baseman Josh Sites and first baseman Jake Hendrix – have played big roles as well.
Post 74 has also gotten strong contributions from William Monroe’s Danny Morris and Logan Forloines and Charlottesville’s Eli Haden and J.D. Ballard. Albemarle teammates Jason White and Geren Steljes, as well as Chris Madison (Western Albemarle) and Quinn Saunders (St. Anne’s-Belfield), anchor a deep pitching staff.
Post 361, based in Richmond’s West End, is a newcomer to the state tournament. Two of the team’s alumni will be familiar to ACC baseball fans – Virginia outfielder Tyler Biddix and Georgia Tech pitcher Deck McGuire. The team advanced to the state tournament with a 15-5 victory over Lakeside Post 125 on Saturday.
Post 74 fell to eventual champions South Richmond Post 137 in the final of last year’s tournament.
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