AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL

West Columbia American Legion Post 79 Coach Johnny Harper has reached a level of comfort with his 2019 team. “I had 51 players come out for this team,” Harper said. A year ago, he took over the team. However, Harper did not select the players. He picked his team this year. “I turned away some good players,” Harper said. West Columbia is well-stocked on the mound. “We’ve got lots of pitching,” he said. “I expect to rotate my pitchers, so our opposition will not see the same pitcher a lot. I’ve got plenty of arms. His pitchers include Dylan and Ryan Williamson and Alex Peguese (all of Pelion), Dalton Mims, Perce Allen and Brandon Caughman (all of Airport), Justin Allen (Newberry College), Chandler Sox (USC-Sumter/Brookland-Cayce) and Garrett Kinard (Heathwood Hall). In addition to his pitching, Harper said he’s seeing some power at the plate. Caughman had 4 home runs entering Monday’s 3-game series against Camden, followed by Mims, Austin Shumpert and Drew Boozer. In the early going, Harper said his defense has not been as sound as he would prefer at times. “I’ll move some kids around until I get the best combination,” Harper said. Infielder Reed Charpia of Brookland-Cayce was a litte banged up and was rested this past Monday. Overall, Harper said he’s pleased with the dedication of his team. “I’ve got players who want to be here,” he said. “They are committed to me and our coaches. They love baseball and want to improve. They want to win.” Coaching with Harper are Rusty Watts, James Padgett, Joey Wilson and Andrew Watts. Harper also said he appreciates the support of his athletic director Billy Oswald. West Columbia plays its homes games at Brookland-Cayce High School. It just took 2-3 games from Lexington Post 3 in the League III opening series for both teams and lost 6-2 to Camden this past Monday to drop to 2-4.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

(Thursday’s Games)

West Columbia at Camden Aiken at Lexington (Ballpark Road Complex)

(Monday’s Games)

Orangeburg at Lexington (Ballpark Road Sports Complex) Chapin/Newberry at Lancaster

(Tuesday’s Games)

Lexington at Greenwood (Legion Field) Lancaster at Chapin/Newberry (Newberry College)

(Wednesday’s Games)

Easley at Lexington (Ballpark Road Sports Complex)

ALL GAMES START AT 7 pm.