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The Beaufort County Junior American Legion baseball team was one of four still competing in the state tournament in Goldsboro as of Friday afternoon.

Post 15 had a date with undefeated Davidson Co. in the semi-finals after deadline for this edition. A victory would advance them to Saturday against the South Caldwell-Wilmington winner, while a loss would end their season.

“A team from Beaufort County had never won a Legion state tournament game until we beat Matthews in the first round, so we’ve already made history,” head coach Bobby Boyd said. “Everybody’s mindset is positive right now. We think we can win the whole thing if we play our best.”

Four pitchers combined for a one-hitter in the 6-3 opening round victory over Matthews from suburban Charlotte. Luke Bullock, Evan Woolard, Philip Dash and Caleb Grandy teamed up on the pitching gem, while Trenton Allen’s triple was the key hit.

After a 12-5 loss to Wilmington in the second round, Post 15 kept its season alive with a 5-2 victory over Bear Grass in an elimination game Thursday.
Grandy pitched a three-hitter and struck out eight batters in 6.1 innings, then Allen retired the final two batters for the win.
Howell led the 10-hit attack with a home run and a pair of doubles, while Luke Mirabella cracked a pinch-hit RBI single to give Post 15 a three-run lead in the late innings.

“Caleb was terrific on the mound and Luke’s pinch hit was huge,” Boyd said. “Our season would have been over then if those two hadn’t come through for us.”

Post 15 (winners of 11 of the last 13 games), South Caldwell and Wilmington have one loss, while undefeated Davidson Co. has already advanced to the championship game.

“A lot of teams are home right now, so we are happy to still be playing,” Boyd said. “Our guys don’t need any pep talks because they know what’s at stake.”