Cox leads Post 52 to victory

EASLEY — Richard and Deborah Mintz have lived in Easley the past 18 years. Richard is a retired engineerer and has been a member of Post 52 for the past four years.

But last week, they traveled to their first Easley American Legion baseball game. They sat up in the top row of the bleachers and saw Post 52 defeat Anderson 8-2.

The first thing Richard had to say about the game was: “I’m really amazed at how hard these pitchers can throw the ball.”

Easley’s Walker Cox did bring the heat, throwing in the upper 80s to the get the victory. His final stat line was: 4.1 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs (1 earned run), 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He left the game after 95 pitches and a 5-2 lead in the fifth inning.

“We were just making the plays,” said Cox, giving his defense all the credit. “We were just playing clean baseball. Even though I wasn’t throwing the best strikes, any time they hit the ball - they made the plays. I’m excited to get a win tonight. It’s exciting to play for Easley again after a loss.”

It marked their third-straight victory of the season for Post 52.

Easley shortstop CJ Martin (from Pickens) made several plays at shortstop in the victory, along with drawing two walks from the leadoff spot and delivering a key sacrifice fly to deep centerfield.

“I’m seeing the ball better now and we’re getting hot at the right time,” Martin said. “We’re building some momentum and we’re in a good spot right now.”

Continued Martin, about playing on this Post 52 team, “It’s really fun because these are the best guys in our area and we have good baseball in our area. It’s something I’m really excited about and it just means that much more down the stretch.”

No. 3 hitter Cody Wilson (Wren HS) went 2-for-3 at the plate for Easley and Braden Mauro was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored.

Being able to play a different position effectively has also been a big key for the Easley legion team.

Maura (from Daniel HS) has been solid at third base this season. Easley’s Kaleb “KO” Owens has settled in at second base and is saving that rocket arm for Anderson University. Standout catcher Aaron Tolbert also played left field in the victory over Anderson. Carson Bay (from Seneca), who is a pitcher and a shortstop, also played centerfield once.

“We told the guys that a lot of times - in American Legion baseball - you might have to play out of position,” said Post 52 coach Jonathan Hall. “We have the best of the best and we have a lot of depth on this team. Some guys are going to have to play different position to keep them in the lineup.”