Manning-Santee Post 68 downs Camden 6-2; advances to state playoffs

They are headed to the state playoffs.

The Manning-Santee Post 68 American Legion baseball team is headed to the state playoffs following a 6-2 victory over Camden Sunday evening.

Post 68 got the win behind a sensational game by right-hander Matt Mays on the mound.

He threw 8 and 2/3 innings and accumulated 11 strikeouts, one walk, five hits and two runs.

“What can you say about him … he played lights out,” said Head Coach G.G. Cutter. “He was able to locate his curve ball and fast ball.”

Manning did not hit the ball quite as well as in the past, however Heath Smith had a solid night by himself.

He hit a pair of two-run home runs in the first and third innings to set the tone for the game.

He finished the game going two-for-three with three runs and four RBIs.

“He’s been productive all year long,” Cutter said. “He’s been one of our best hitters.”

Others hitters for Manning were Mike Keels, Jamal Keels, Chris Kellahan and Douglas Ard, with one each.

Mike Keels led off the game and reached first base on an error.

Two batters later, Manning faced two outs when Smith came to the plate.

Facing a 1-2 count, he sent the pitch flying over the left field wall for a two-run shot.

In the third inning, Jamal Keels drew a walk and Smith slammed a curve ball over left field for his second two-run shot for a 4-0 lead.

Manning-Santee added two more runs in the sixth and eighth to help secure the win.

With the win, Manning improved its record to 18-13.

They will now travel to Charleston Southern University to begin the state playoffs. 

They will play Easley at 9 a.m. Saturday at Buccaneer Ball Park.