Manning-Santee Post 68 splits last two games

The Manning-Santee Post 68 American Legion baseball split their last two contests between Cheraw and the Sumter P-15s.

On June 23, Manning easily downed Cheraw following a 13-3 shellacking.

The game was played in seven innings due to the mercy rule.

“We played good defense and got pretty good pitching,” said Head Coach G.G. Cutter.

Despite the output of runs and high offensive performance, Manning actually had to overcome a 2-0 deficit early in the game.

Cheraw led 2-0 in the fourth inning; however that is when Manning’s bats came alive.

They scored six runs to take a 6-2 lead … one they never relinquished.

“We settled down and we started hitting the ball,” said Cutter. “We started hitting them pretty good.”

Manning accumulated 19 hits on the night.

Mike Keels went three-for-four with three RBIs, Heath Smith also went three-for-four, Rashad Murphy had a hit, Zach Graham had two hits with two RBIs and Chris Kellahan had two singles and a double.

Justin Powell started on the mound and threw six innings allowing three runs, six hits, five strikeouts and four walks.

Zach Graham came in the final inning and faced the last three batters striking out one.

With the victory, Manning-Santee improved 9-6 overall.

On Friday, June 24, Manning fell to the Sumter P-15s 2-0.

“I’m proud of our boys,” said Cutter. “They stayed in there and battled.”

Jamal Keels started on the mound for Manning and despite not being a regular, he threw six strong innings.

He finished with five strikeouts, two walks and just one run.

“He did a good job,” said Cutter. “He comes in there and gives us what we need. He throws strikes. He’s a good little pitcher and tonight, we needed him to go.”

Things didn’t go as well Friday night with Post 68’s match against the Sumter P-15s/

Sumter pitcher Josh Kisamore threw a complete game shutout over Manning allowing just five hits to go along with seven strikeouts.

“He’s a good pitcher and he did a good job for them,.” Cutter said.

Manning had chances to score with runners on first and second but struggled at the plate to get them in.

The game’s first score came when Sumter’s Blake Graham stole home for a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth.

They added on more in the ninth to help seal the win.

With the 2-0 loss, Manning fell to 9-7 overall.

Their next game will be at home today when they host Dalzell at 7:30 p.m.