WESTFIELD – A six-run second inning proved costly for Westfield’s Post 124, who fell 7-1 to Springfield’s Post 21 in American Legion Baseball action at Westfield State University’s Jim and Bud Hagan Field last night.
“The second inning was the difference in the game,” said Post 124 coach Don Irzyk following the contest. “(Tim) Kelleher started and had control issues in the second, so I had to take him out after he gave up some hits and walks. We just couldn’t mount a comeback.”
In relief for Kelleher was Western New England University’s Connor Sas, who pitched through the sixth inning, allowing only one run.
Offensively, Post 124 wasn’t completely anemic, as first baseman Nate Barnes of Westfield State University registered two hits for now 12-4 Westfield. Irzyk also said infielder Chris Riga of Westfield High School was one of few bright spots for his club offensively.
“Riga hit well tonight. He had two hits,” he said. “He had a double and a single, but might have even had two doubles.”
Post 124 is back in action tonight in a makeup game from last week, and will take on Longmeadow at Westfield State University at 5:45 p.m.
