Baseball and patriotism are two concepts that go hand in hand in America.
Last Friday, July 4, Dawsonville American Legion Post 247 hosted a tournament that lasted through Sunday at Tiger Field in Dawsonville.
While most people were grilling during this most honorable of National Holidays, the boys from Post 247 were playing ball.
Baseball has always been a way for our country to relax and enjoy in times of trouble and peace.
American Legion baseball has committed to America's youth in times of war and peace through this hallowed game. Since 1925 there have been more than 10,000,000 players to take part in American Legion baseball. The goals of American Legion Baseball are to develop team discipline, individual character, and leadership development in young people.
All those traits were evident last Friday for head coach Casey Wilson's team. Post 247 would rally to come away with a 6-5 victory over Windward in the first round of a tournament hosted by Post 247.
Errors haunted Dawsonville in the first inning, as two costly hiccups led to three runs for Windward. Post 247 pitcher Austin Lark battled back and gave up only two additional runs over the next six innings to come away with the win.
Lark was pulled in the top of the seventh inning after serving up a double to start the inning. Adam Heykens came on in relief to get the last three outs and lead Dawsonville to the win.
Lark tallied seven strikeouts while only walking two batters in six innings of work.
The homerun ball helped Post 247 to come from behind. Long balls from Sonny Pham, Chase Gilreath, Parker Jarrard and Lark contributed to the win.
The big blow came in the bottom of the sixth when Lark took a 2-1 fastball and deposited it deep to left field bringing in two runs. Post 247 took a 5-4 lead.
Gilreath's homer to left center cushioned the lead at 6-4 for Dawsonville. Gilreath finished the contest going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Windward answered with a run in the top of the seventh, but is wasn't enough as Post 247 came away with the victory.
Later in the day Dawsonville played a great game to get a 6-1 win over Windward's second team.
The two wins put Dawsonville in great shape going into the final round of the tournament, that took place on Sunday.
The team played the West Georgia Red Devils and came away with a 5-1 victory to take the championship.
E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.