LEGION BASEBALL: Luverne wins Legion state tourney opener

ELY — Every time Luverne took a lead, Hawley found a way to come back.

When the two teams went to extra innings, Luverne finally broke through with two runs in the top of the ninth, but again Hawley launched a comeback.

However, this time Hawley came up just short as Post 123 survived for a 7-6 win in Thursday night’s opening round of the Legion baseball state tournament.

Luverne took an initial 2-0 lead with a two-run second inning, but Hawley came back to take a 3-2 edge.

Luverne rallied to again take the lead in the sixth.

Cody Christensen (2-for-3, two runs) tripled to lead off the inning and scored on a single by Connor Fitzer (3-for-4, two runs). John Fodness (2-for-5, two RBI) then singled Fitzer to third and Joey Slieter knocked him home.

Slieter then stole second and Fodness scored on the throw.

Luverne’s two runs in the ninth were scored on a two-run single by Fodness following a lead-off single by Christensen and a double by Fitzer.

Hawley had a solo home run in the bottom of the frame but were unable to plate the tying run.

Eric Kor pitched a complete game (nine strikeouts, four walks) to earn the victory on the mound for Post 123.

Kor was 2-for-5 at the plate and Adam Gruis went 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Luverne will now play Ely today at 8 p.m.

R H E

Luv. 020 003 002 — 7 12 3

Haw. 010 202 001 — 6 8 0

Tags: legion baseball, sports, baseball, luverne