Representing the go-ahead run, Fort Calhoun Senior Legion base runner JT Mlnarik stood up from stealing third base and saw Alex Christensen standing next to the plate with a bat Tuesday night.
“When I see Al in the box, I know no matter what the result is he's going to be smiling afterwards,” Mlnarik said.
Sure enough, Christensen delivered the go-ahead RBI single as Zig Drywall Post 348 topped the Millard Sox Seniors at home, 3-1.
After Colin Bolay scored on a double steal during the second inning, Mlnarik kick-started Calhoun's sixth inning during a 1-1 ballgame. He said assistant coach Jon Genoways wasn't loving is at-bat at the start, but he turned it around.
“I got that nice slider, low and away, and just took it there,” Mlnarik said of his double into right field. “I saw it so many times over the game that it was about time to hit one.”
The Sox outfielder couldn't handle the ball and Zig Drywall was in business. Mlnarik stole third with Christensen in the box and scored when the left-handed slugger pulled another Millard offering into right field.
Bolay and Charlie Boumstein loaded the bases from there, allowing Kenny Wellwood the opportunity for a bases-loaded walk, which put Post 348 ahead by two runs.
That was enough of a cushion for Calhoun pitcher Levi Lasher, who finished out his complete game in the top of the seventh inning. He first induced a groundout before walking the second Sox batter of the frame.
Known for an adamant approach to picking off batters at first base, Lasher couldn't get it done as Sox supporters chided him from the bleachers. His catcher, Chase Premer, however, threw the runner out as he later took off for second base.
“We were getting a lot of pick-offs tonight,” Lasher said, defending his efforts with a smile before crediting his catcher for getting the out. “But Chase's got a good arm.”
The next Millard batter grounded out to Wellwood at shortstop, ending the game. Lasher said his goal was to start each Sox batter out with a strike, which led to his success in victory.
On Sunday, however, Fort Calhoun closed out the Mike Collins Memorial Tournament at Elkhorn Mount Michael with a 6-2 win against the New Zealand Triple Stars. It was their second win against the New Zealand squad of the summer.
Post 348's Sam Genoways earned the complete game pitching win with six strikeouts, while also tallying four RBIs. AJ Duros scored four runs and added an RBI as did Mlnarik.
POST 348 SENIOR LINE SCORES
Tuesday
Fort Calhoun 3, Millard Sox Seniors 1
MSS 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 — 1
FC (14-11) 0 1 0 0 0 2 X — 3
Sunday
Fort Calhoun 6, New Zealand Triple Stars 2
FC (13-11) 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 — 6
NZTS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 — 2
