When Franklin County had a reasonably full roster in the Zone 2 American Legion Baseball Tournament, the Flyers looked very good and scored 20 runs in two games. When they were depleted, they were shut out on seven hits over 17 innings.

So it’s good news for the Flyers that they will have most of their roster available for the state tournament play-in game. That’s scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, at Husson University against Zone 4 runner-up Westbrook, and the winner advances to the state tournament, Wednesday through Sunday at Husson.

The big names returning are Cam Abbott and Colton Lawrence. Without them (and leadoff hitter Ryan Greenman) on Tuesday, Franklin County lost 1-0 to Post 51 in the Zone 2 championship game.

“You add those couple kids, and it adds a little pop to the lineup,” Franklin coach Kyle Gunzinger said. “A fly ball would have tied the game in a couple scenarios.”

Westbrook (13-6) gave up three runs in its three Zone 4 tournament games. Westbrook scored 12, but 11 of those came in one game. There was also a 12-inning, 1-0 victory over Moody’s Collison Center in which Zach Bean pitched all 12 innings and allowed just two hits.

With three days off between games, Franklin should be deep in pitching. Lawrence threw seven strong innings on Saturday, and Amos Herrin went 10 innings and won two games over Saturday and Sunday. Abbott, who would probably be Franklin’s ace, has not pitched this summer because of arm issues.

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“Nobody this weekend went more than 145 pitches,” Gunzinger said. “We’ve checked with everybody and the arms, and we have a full staff — outside of Cam, who’s been down pretty much all year.”

Most importantly, Gunzinger wants the Flyers to be relaxed entering the game.

“I think if the kids are having fun and playing loose, they tend to play better,” Gunzinger said.

Matt DiFilippo — 861-9243

mdifilippo@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Matt_DiFilippo


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