The 2024 American Legion World Series Day 2 Extends Into Day 3

By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network

Shelby, NC (WNN) – The second day, August 16th, of the 2024 ALWS featured all four teams from the “stars” division. This tournament incorporates “pool” play formatting, which divides the field of eight teams into two divisions of four teams: the “stars” and “stripes.” After each team plays the other three teams in their division, the top two teams meet in a semi-final round on Monday, followed by the two remaining teams playing for the ALWS on Tuesday evening.

Fans were treated to the best baseball thus far of the tournament. Troy, Alabama, and League City, Texas, entered the day 1-0 after opening-day victories. Hudson, Massachusetts, and Fargo, North Dakota, entered at 0-1 after suffering defeats on opening day. By the final out of the second game, it would be evident why you never count any team out of this tournament. These four teams proved why they carry the title of Regional Champion from their respective regions. The competitiveness and final results were different from what many fans expected. 

The day’s first game (game 5 of the tournament) showcased Massachusetts v/s Texas (defending champions). Excellent defense and timely hitting would be the key plays during this competition. This contest was reminiscent of two heavy-weight prize fighters trading blow for blow. Tyler Ryden, starting pitcher for Texas, opened the game with three straight strikeouts. Massachusetts starting pitcher Theodore McFarland rose to the challenge and retired the first three batters from Texas. Texas took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on a one-run single by center fielder Matthew Novominsky. The lead was extended to 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning as catcher Austin Rawls connected on a single that drove in both Scott Martinez and Matthew Novominsky. It appeared Texas was in command of the game until the top of the fifth inning as Ryan Dillion hammered a two-run double that drove in Daniel Demirjian and Peter Ward, who had reached on a double and walk, respectively.

The boys from Hudson quickly showed their opening-day loss was not indicative of their play or character. Suddenly, Texas’ lead had been trimmed to 3-2, and they knew they were in for a fight. The third home run of the series came off the bat of Texas right fielder Reese Brewer in the bottom of the fifth inning. His smash was to the left-center field at a distance of around 340 feet. Sorry, I could not confirm the exact distance by press time. Massachusetts could only muster two more hits over the final two frames and fell short of a major upset by a score of 4-2. The young men of Fargo could hold their heads high as they left the field. They fought with heart and perseverance. They challenged the champions and hung with them until the very end. Unfortunately, Massachusetts drops to 0-2 in division play. Texas improved their record to 2-0. The loss does not eliminate Massachusetts. However, they face a must-win game against Fargo, North Dakota, at noon on Saturday to remain alive. 

Fans only thought they had witnessed the day’s best game. The nightcap (game 6 of the tournament) would prove to be one to remember for many reasons. The contest pitted Troy, Alabama, against Fargo, North Dakota, in a marathon that began at 7:00 pm Friday and would end at 1:20 am Saturday. It was a shame that one team had to suffer a loss; they both exerted every ounce of passion and effort they could muster. Both teams would leave the field completely exhausted. Why did the game take so long to conclude? Fargo held a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh inning and was one strike away from ending the game when Evan Taylor singled, driving in Matt Snell to tie the game at 2-2. As the bottom of the seventh was set to begin, Mother Nature took over, and a lightning delay prompted an automatic 30-minute weather delay; heavy rains would extend the delay until 11:00 pm when the game would resume. 

Approximately a few hundred fans endured the delay, not wanting to miss any second of a tremendous game. This game had been the type of game baseball fans long for: great pitching, great defense, and a close low score. Both teams had been laying it all on the line; each wanted to win and did all they could to bring the “w” home. Fargo failed to plate a run in the bottom half of the inning, so we were now entering what is affectionately called “free baseball,” or extra innings. No one realized at the time this game would go for another seven innings! Yes, you read correctly; this was a 14-inning duel that saw each team match each other run for run and strike out for strikeout. Just as soon as it would appear one team had the upper hand, the other would match their feat. The game would end in the bottom of the 14th after a single by Brady Manley, followed by an errant throw that allowed Jaxon Beiswenger to score the winning run for Fargo, North Dakota. This game would see a combined 34 strikeouts from both teams, which is a World Series Record. Alabama used six pitchers, while North Dakota used three. If you wonder how a game creeping over into the next morning affects pitcher availability, the pitches thrown all count toward the day the game began. The day of rest is calculated as Friday and not Saturday. North Dakota has played with fierce determination and more heart than you can imagine, which propelled them to the upset of 2022 ALWS Champion, Troy, Alabama. The result of this game leaves Troy and Fargo tied at 1-2 and currently in second place in the “stars” division. Fargo must now play again at noon on Saturday, merely 11 ½ hours after the conclusion of this game.

Day two was a baseball fan’s dream, yet we are far from over. If this indicates what is in store for the remainder of the tournament, you want to attend every game. Three games are on tap for day three on Saturday, August 17th. Game times are 12 pm, 3 pm, and 7:30 pm. The U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team is scheduled to perform at 6:00 pm in honor of USAA Military Appreciation Day.

---

For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork.

For more WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com

Contact WNN at [email protected]

Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.