FROM STAFF REPORTS

Columbiana Post 131 fell in their opener to defending state champion Tuscaloosa Post 34, 7-4 and 8-2.

In the first game, Trey Hawker pitched six innings, allowing seven runs, but only five unearned. He struck out four while walking none. Davis Shoemaker and Luke Porter both went 1-2 with an RBI. Hunter Black and Tyler Jackson drove home the other runs.

In the second game, Colton Pate took the loss, giving up three earned runs on six hits in four innings. He also struck out four. K.J. Derrick gave up five, four of which were earned, in an inning and a half. Jacob Bowman took the final two-thirds, giving up a hit and striking out one.

At the plate, Joseph Simonetti went 2-3 and Hunter Howard went 1-3 with a solo home run.

“We should be back to full strength (against Clanton on June 3),” head coach Jay Gibson wrote in a release. “(We) only (took) 13 players to Tuscaloosa due to injuries, senior trips and vacations. Hopefully I’ll have more positive results.”

The team plays their next home game June 11 against Post 34. All home games are held at Thompson High.