By Max Rayman
Peyton Cary and the Owensboro American Legion Post 9 Bombers would not be denied as they cruised past the Post 68 Aces 4-0 to secure their fourth straight championship.
“Tonight was a total team effort,” Manager Matt Freeman said. “Our offense got going early which set the tone for the game. Defensively, we played at a high level and our pitching was phenomenal.”
Cary was exceptional, throwing six shutout innings, while holding the Aces to just three hits and a walk. Grayson Smith pitched a scoreless seventh inning, striking out one while not allowing a runner to reach base.
The Bombers offense was mostly held in check but they were able to take advantage when it mattered most. They scored four runs on five hits while drawing four walks.
Deuce Sims jump-started the offense in the bottom of the second, singling home Easton Blandford to give his team a 1-0 lead. The Bombers scored two more runs in the inning thanks to an error and a wild pitch. In the bottom of the third, Paxton Gardner Jr.’s RBI single made it 4-0.
“The entire team was very excited to accomplish our goal of winning the state championship,” Freeman said. “Now, we will begin to prepare for the Great Lakes national regional in Carol Stream Illinois next week.”
The Bombers’ victory marks the team’s 17th state title dating back to 1953.
