MILFORD — Two teams looking to extend their seasons will square off Monday afternoon as Beverly Post 331 takes on Sandwich Post 188 in an elimination game at the Massachusetts American Legion Baseball State Tournament at Fino Field.
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the winner advancing deeper into the double-elimination bracket while the loser’s season comes to an end.
Sandwich opened the tournament in impressive fashion, blanking Northampton Post 28 by a 6-0 score on Day 1 to earn a spot in the winners bracket. However, the District 10 champions ran into a dominant Franklin Post 75 squad on Day 2, falling 13-1 to drop into the elimination bracket.
Beverly’s path has been equally challenging. The District 8 champions suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Leominster Post 151 in their tournament opener after letting a late lead slip away. Facing elimination on Day 2, Beverly responded with a gritty 2-1 victory over Greenfield Post 81 to keep its championship hopes alive.
Monday’s matchup presents another win-or-go-home scenario, with both teams knowing there are no second chances remaining.
The winner will advance to face the winner of Monday night’s showdown between Franklin Post 75 and Hyde Park Post 78, while the losing team will be eliminated from the state tournament.
With both clubs already surviving one high-pressure game during the tournament, another tightly contested battle is expected as Beverly and Sandwich fight to keep their seasons alive and move one step closer to a Massachusetts American Legion Baseball state championship.
