MANCHESTER, N.H. – Despite two strong pitching performances, only one provided a winner as Concord left the Queen City with a 1-0 American Legion victory over Sweeney Post on Monday night.
The game’s only run came in the first, as Kyle Hill reached home on an Erik Sullivan sacrifice fly to center. Although Sullivan’s RBI was preceded by a double from Ryan Tessier, the fly wasn’t deep enough to advance Tessier, the beginning of what would be an extended string of offensive frustration for both teams.
Whether it was through pickoffs (ending Sweeney’s fourth and Concord’s fifth), diving stops (Sweeney’s fifth and Concord’s sixth) or the overall superlative pitching on both sides, neither side could add to that first and only run.
Jamison Reilly gave Sweeney one last glimmer of hope in the bottom of the seventh, narrowly legging out a leadoff double before the next three batters failed to reach base.
Both pitchers threw complete games, with Sullivan scattering six hits and a walk while striking out three.
Camren Varney was the loser, giving up four hits and two walks, striking out four.
Sweeney returns to action on Tuesday at home, with a 3 p.m. showdown against Lebanon.