Inclement weather spoiled a pair of ball games for Kinston Post 43 during the American Legion Area I semifinals.
And just like that, their 2013 season is over.
American Legion rules the championship game must have started on its scheduled date Sunday. Because Post 43 semifinals opponent Wilson Post 13 won Game 1 Wednesday, Wilson advanced by default.
The clubs were scheduled for a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Fleming Stadium in Wilson after rain postponed games Thursday and Friday. When officials couldn’t get a field together for the games, it was ruled Wilson would go on to the finals.
Post 43 manager Ronnie Battle was optimistic the series would stretch to a third game after the 4-3 loss Wednesday at home, but now his team won’t get that chance after finishing with a 12-6 mark this season.
“I guess it’s something that the American Legion has always implemented, but it’s not a good feeling to be on the losing end of it,” he said. “It’s very disappointing.”
He said because of the ruling, the top four Area I teams were knocked out of the playoffs. Battle said Post 43 was the “better team” over Wilson after Game 1.
“We feel like we didn’t get justice in our series at all,” he said.
Battle felt like Post 43 had the ideal pitching rotation to elevate the team to the finals. Most of that staff will age out next season.
Three key Post 43 pitchers will not return next year: Gary Blackburn, Matt Hinson and Caleb Kearney. They were all above .500 in their win-loss record, with Blackburn going undefeated this season. Battle also said leading hitter Ryan Cobb will not return.
If a guy turns 20 before Jan. 1 of the upcoming season, he isn’t eligible. This will also be one of the last years college students and 19-year-olds can play Legion baseball.
“It’s going to be tough,” Battle said. “This is probably one of the best pitching staffs, and one that would have taken us into the championship. … The showers of rain just have depleted everything.”
The season will restart in May of 2014.
“This, too, shall pass,” Battle said about the semifinals out. “We’ll have to get over it (and) prepare for next season.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.
