The River Bandits, who stole a 7-5 win against Post 23 in the 2009 tournament, won by a nearly identical score when the teams matched up again on Wednesday at VA Memorial Stadium, defeating Portsmouth 7-4.
Post 23 out hit Post 300 12-8 and only committed one error in the contest but once again the Napoleon team was too much.
Anthony Knittel led Post 23's offense by going 3-for-5 with a double and Zach Bukiewicz was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Alex Holcomb was 2-for-5 with a double in the loss.
John Morrisette took the loss for Post 23.
"Once again we out hit our opponent, but could not get the big hit with men on base," Post 23 coach Jack Branon said. "Just as we did against Gallipolis on Tuesday, we left 13 runners on base. We got down early and missed numerous opportunities to come back."
Tuesday
Post 23 took on Gallipolis Post 27 on Tuesday and neither team walked away particularly satisfied.
The game was tied at 4 after eight innings of play when darkness brought an end to the contest.
Post 23 was unable to get the win despite a 10-strike out pitching performance from Evan Richard on the mound. Richard gave up just one hit in 6.2 innings.
Offensively, Post 23 got multiple hit performances from Nick Kemper (2-2, 3 walks) and David Shultz (2-2, stolen base). Drew Parsley was 1-for-1 with a double.
"It is very disappointing to play to a tie when you out hit someone 10-3," Branon said. "We left 13 men on base and could never get the big hit to break the game open. We let them hang around long enough that they kept us from getting a win. Evan certainly pitched well enough to win."
Today
Post 23 plays today in the inaugural Gene Bennett Baseball Classic being played at Branch Rickey Park and Valley High School today through Sunday.
Post 23 will face the powerhouse Ohio Warhawks in the tournament's opening game at Branch Rickey at noon and takes on the Huntington Hounds at Valley at 3 p.m.
"We're excited about playing in that (tournament)," Branon said. We know we're playing against guys that are probably some future major leaguers.
"It's a really good opportunity for our guys to see some of the best amateur competition in the country," Branon added.
Despite the big name teams, one coming from as far as Dallas, Post 23 is planning to make sure that these premiere squads remember the team from Scioto County.
"We're going in with that attitude that we're trying to win some ball games," Branon said.
Post 23 is 2-3-1 for the season.
While the games start at noon, the community should be aware that Opening Ceremonies will take place at 5:45 p.m. at Branch RIckey Park.
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