Manning-Santee Post 68 downs Conway 15-3

Despite being 0-2 in the American Legion best-of-five playoffs series, the Manning-Legion Post 68 American Legion baseball team pounded out 19 hits and three homeruns en route to a 15-3 rout of Conway Friday night.

Manning’s bats came alive and did not disappear the entire night.

Heath Smith was the leading batter as he went four-for-five with a homerun and two doubles.

“He really hit the ball well tonight,” said Head Coach G.G. Cutter.

Jamal Keels went three-for-five with a homerun and Chris Kellahan went two-for-four with a homerun.

Four players went two-for-five: Michael Keels, Corey Brown, Douglas Ard and Zach Graham.

A good portion of Manning’s runs came with two outs.

Cutter said they began to understand how to play and when to step up.

“We pounded the ball tonight and we were very aggressive at the plate,” he said. “We made routine plays.”

The pitching was also on par.

Matt Mays pitched a complete game allowing three runs, nine hits, three walks and six strikeouts.

“He pitched his best game of the year,” Cutter said.

Manning-Santee stayed alive in the playoffs with the win.

They will play in Manning tonight (Saturday) at 7:30.

A loss will end their season but a win will send them back to Conway for a winner take all tomorrow night (Sunday).