PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Post 68 team in the American Legion Baseball State Tournament Wednesday evening after beating South Hadley Post 260, 13-1, at Clapp Park.

 

The home team got an early lead, going up 2-0 in the first inning with runs from Chad Shade and Alex Carusotto.

 

It was in the second and third innings when the bats heated up.

 

It started with a solo home run for Josh Berthiaume, making the score 4-0 in the bottom of the second. His shot was then followed by an RBI double for Carusotto, another RBI double from Kevin Donati, and then an RBI triple from Anthony Jones putting them up 7-0.

 

"I watched the first pitch, it was a little outside, but the ump called a strike," Berthiaume said. "Next pitch I was just ready in case he brought one back in and he threw a fast ball inside so I swung at it and got the home run."

 

Defensively, Post 68 retired the side in order in  the first, second, third, and fourth innings. Pat Colvin, who came on the mound for Carusotto in the top of the fourth, allowed one hit in the fifth and South Hadley's lone run.

 

Post 68 added six more runs in the fourth inning, and the game ended after five due to the mercy rule.

 

Post 68 advances to play Greenfield Post 81, a winner over East Springfield Post 420, on Thursday at Clapp Park at 5:30.