The American Legion baseball season will wrap up in the next month as the playoffs continue on several levels. The state is divided up into regions with most of District 10 along with District 9 and some District 7 teams in Region 8. The Region 8 tournament will take place this coming weekend in St. Marys. The double-elimination tournament features eight teams. Seven will be county champions between Butler, Clarion, Crawford-Venango, Elk, Erie, Mercer-Lawrence and Warren.
So far, St. Marys has clinched a spot as the host and French Creek Valley won the Crawford-Venango berth. St. Marys can also serve as the Elk County automatic. However, Meadville out of Crawford-Venango, has also earned a spot which likely replaces either the Clarion or Mercer-Lawrence team. Last summer, the Clarion and Mercer-Lawrence spots were forfeited because of various reasons.
Erie County was given two spot this year. Albion clinched one spot by making the Erie County championship game Tuesday. The other spot will go to the winner of tonight’s game between Post 11 and Millcreek. The winner plays Albion Tuesday for the Erie County title and if Post 11 or Millcreek defeats Albion the two teams will meet again Wednesday for the final game of the tournament.
The Warren County spot will be decided tonight when Warren Post 135 takes on Corry at 5:30 p.m.
Region 8 tournament
At St. Marys, July 21-25
Qualifiers
Butler: Saxonburg/East Butler/Butler City
Clarion: TBD*
Crawford-Venango: French Creek Valley
Elk: St. Marys
Erie: Albion
Erie: Post 11/Millcreek
Mercer-Lawrence: TBD*
Warren: Warren/Corry
*Meadville has clinched a spot in the tournament. They will replace either Clarion or Mercer-Lawrence County.
–Tom Reisenweber
