RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Randolph Rebels topped the Marion Bulldogs, 16-12, last week as the American Legion baseball season kicked into high gear.
The Rebels (1-1) are sponsored by the Randolph Youth Center and Post 667 from Universal City and the Marion squad is sponsored by Post 002 of San Antonio.
Action continues tonight with Randolph again meeting Marion here on base at Grater Field, with a 7 p.m. start time.
Randolph won the 2007 District 20 senior division championship and this year's team is made up of 15- to 18-year-old military and retiree children from the Randolph and Cibolo areas.
Randolph shortstop Nic Walters scored on a passed ball early in the 16-12 win over Marion, but the Rebels had to come from behind before winning.
Randolph starting pitcher Cory Thurchak allowed four straight hits and three runs came home before the Bulldogs were shut down in a long first inning.
Randolph responded with an offensive barrage of its own in the top of the second, scoring five runs to take the lead for good.
A double by Brad Thomas drove in two runs and Thurchak helped his own cause with a single to drive in two more.
Leading the offensive attack for Randolph was Tyler Pumphrey with five runs scored and two runs batted in. Brandon Mackin had two hits and two RBIs while Brad Thomas had six RBIs on four hits.
Randolph opened the 2008 season with a 10-6 loss to Seguin before bouncing back against Marion. The season runs through mid-July and the state tournament will be staged at Laredo.
(Story submitted by David Thurchak, AFROTC officer assignment manager.)