Vandalia Sr. Legion takes down T-Town
A consistent offensive outpouring complemented a shut-out pitching performance from Derek Harmeier, as the Vandalia Sr. Legion team defeated Teutopolis, 9-0, last Wednesday. Post 95 scored two runs in each of the first four innings and sent at least five hitters to the plate in every inning, while Teutopolis struggled against Harmeier, who did not allow a runner to advance farther than second base. “That was what I’ve been looking for,” said coach Luke Hohlt. “Obviously, we had good pitching, and we took care of him by giving him run support.” Cy Perfetti and Dylan Carr opened the game for Vandalia with back-to-back singles, and Dylan Bone singled to load the bases two batters later. Kyle Bloemker drove in the first run after reaching on error, and Ian Murrell followed with an RBI by drawing a walk. In total, eight Post 95 players batted in the bottom of the first. It took Harmeier just seven pitches to record three outs in the top of the second, and Vandalia’s bats again produced a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame. Blaine Scholes, who walked, scored on a fielder’s choice by Mitch Wolff, and Wolff crossed the plate the next at-bat after Teutopolis’ left fielder misplayed a fly ball hit by Bone that would have ended the inning. “That wears on the other team,” Hohlt said. “When you can put five or six guys up to the plate and scratch off a couple runs every inning, you’re going to be in a lot of games.” A total of 15 batters would come the plate for Post 95 in the next two innings, with Murrell and Dylan Goldsmith scoring in the third after both reached on singles, and Bloemker and Murrell crossing the plate in the fourth. “Our kids know the area very well, so we know that this isn’t the T-Town that you’d expect, but it’s always good to beat (bigger schools),” Hohlt said. Wolff scored the team’s ninth run in the bottom of the fourth on a single by Brady McDowell, who unsuccessfully attempted the hidden-ball trick at first base earlier in the game. McDowell, who is one of the most vocal players on the team and always seems to have a smile on his face, brings a special dynamic to Post 95, Hohlt said. “(His demeanor is) a glue that brings people together,” he said. “From the very first practice, he came in like that. “He’s pretty good at knowing the time and place, so he can help us win ball games and keep us relaxed, whether he’s in or not.” Harmeier, meanwhile, tossed a three-hitter and used just eight pitches in the top of the seventh inning to end the game. He struck out one batter in every inning. And while his pitching will give Vandalia a chance to win every game he starts, it’s the way that Harmeier, who helped South Central make the regional championship game this past spring, pitches that also helps Post 95. “It is very nice to have him playing for us,” Hohlt said. “He works quick and keeps your defense on their toes. “I’m glad he likes to play here, too.” On Tuesday, Vandalia was scheduled to play at home against Granite City, but because of heavy rains that fell in the city on Monday, that game was canceled. The next home game is Saturday at noon against New Baden.
Vandalia’s Derek Harmeier pitches during Post 95’s 9-0 win against Teutopolis last Tuesday.
Brady McDowell, who is from Brownstown, smiles during a game earlier this season. His fun, but serious, demeanor is an asset to the Vandalia Sr. Legion team, according to coach Luke Holht.
