Posted: 6/26/02

Legion baseball team keeps 1st place

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

With a perfect 3-0 start under their belt, the Post 225 American Legion Baseball team hit a small bump for the first time this season.

In their first loss of the season June 17, Forest Lake fell to Stillwater 3-2 in a road game versus Stillwater.

Alex Johnson had three singles and Luke Hagman pitched three scoreless innings in relief, but the team was unable to rally past Stillwater.Ý

The Legion team only had one evening to recover, and thanks to a strong offensive performance on Tuesday, June 18, Forest Lake won their first game of the week, andÝbeat Inver Grove Heights 7-1. Ý

Chris Parent kept Heights players on edge, striking out eight batters in six innings of work. Alext Johnson and Karl Young mirrored each other, each with two hits and two RBIs. Doug Lange added to damage with three hits of his own. Ý

Post 225 won at home again on Thursday, June 20. The 4-2 victory over Woodbury continued Forest Lake's undefeated record at home. Ý

Luke Hagman pitched a perfect game for Forest Lake, allowing only two runs while striking out three.ÝKarl Young continued to hit well with three singles and two RBIs. Forest Lake's Pete Storm had two hits, and scored twice. Ý

The two victories during the week improved the American Legion baseball team record to 5-1.Ý They currently lead the league standings, but Stillwater trails the team one game back.

ìI think weíre playing great right now, ì Coach Todd Poepard said. ìWeíre playing solid defensively, our pitchingís been great, and timely hitting.î

Big Weekend Ahead

This weekend, June 28-30, American Legion Post 225 of Forest Lake will be hosting a tournament for Forest Lake and three other opponents.

Legion teams from Cambridge, Minneapolis Hellenic, and Stillwater will visit Schumacher Field going head to head. Each team will play three games at the field.

Coach Todd Poepard is excited to give his players a chance to avenge their only loss of the season versus Stillwater on Saturday night, not to mention take the entire tournament.

The busy schedule during the week will allow some players who see less playing time to probably see more action this weekend.

The action begins on Friday night, as Cambridge faces Forest Lake at 7 p.m.

Before the game the Forest Lake Legion Auxiliary and Color Guard will dedicate a new flagpole at Schumacher field during a short ceremony.

Forest Lake is fortunate to have a great baseball facility, and Poepard and his team invite residents to come watch characteristic diving grabs and solid line drives.

ìWe really bring in a good summer baseball crowd. Our team is not lazy, and we play hard for seven innings.î Poepard said.

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