Post 266 Falls to Westview, Looks to Bounce Back Monday in Elimination Bracket

2–3 minutes

By Marisa Dawson, Photos by Jeff Douglas & Marisa Dawson

A youth baseball team huddled together on the field, wearing white uniforms with blue accents, discussing game strategy.

The Bennington American Legion Post 266 Seniors will continue their state tournament run Monday morning after falling 3-1 to PrimeTime Westview on Sunday afternoon.

Because the state tournament uses a double-elimination format, Bennington remains alive in the championship chase and will face the Pat Hagge Patriots (Millard South) at 10 a.m. Monday in an elimination game.

PrimeTime Westview took control early, scoring once in the first inning before adding two more runs in the third to build a 3-0 advantage.

Two young baseball players in uniforms greeting each other on the field, with teammates in the background.
Brendon Da Luz congratulates Gabe Nickel on his run.

Bennington collected nine hits throughout the game and threatened several times but was unable to capitalize until the seventh inning, when the team broke up the shutout with its lone run, brought in by Gabe Nickel. Despite putting pressure on late, Post 266 couldn’t complete the comeback as PrimeTime Westview held on for the 3-1 victory.

Head coach Collin McClain said the difference came down to missed opportunities early in the contest.

“When we hit, we’re getting guys on base early, we’re tough to beat. Today, we just didn’t get enough guys on early and it bit us early in the game,” McClain said. “We got guys on late in the game and put pressure on them, and that’s what you hope to do early. It just didn’t happen today.”

A baseball player in a blue uniform is sliding into home plate while a catcher in red prepares to tag him. An umpire watches the play closely, with players in uniforms visible in the background.
Baylor Uhing gives it everything he’s got on a close play at the plate during Sunday’s state tournament game.

Bennington entered the state tournament as a wild card, but McClain said that distinction doesn’t change the team’s approach once the games begin.

“It’s the game of baseball,” he said. “We know that anytime you show up, you’re going to have a shot.”

The loss drops Post 266 into the elimination side of the bracket, but McClain said the players understand that one setback doesn’t end their season.

A baseball player sliding into a base while another player reaches out to tag him, set on a sunny day at a baseball field.
Myles Gifford reaches for a throw as Bennington attempts to cut down a baserunner.

“I mean, you start off hot, and then you drop one day,” he said. “So it’s just one day at a time because ultimately, the way the bracket’s set up, winning or losing, you’re still in a spot to make it back. So we just have to be ready to go tomorrow.”

That mindset now shifts toward a Monday morning matchup with Millard South, where another loss would end Bennington’s season.

McClain expects a tough challenge but said the message to his team is straightforward.

A young baseball pitcher in a white uniform with 'Bennington' on the chest is in the middle of a pitching motion on a baseball field. Another player stands in the background, ready for the play.
Max Swoboda fires a pitch across the plate during Sunday’s state tournament action.

“Just got to show up ready. Millard South is going to be good. Every team you play here is good. It’s the reason it’s a state tournament. So just show up ready to go.”

First pitch between Bennington American Legion Post 266 and the Pat Hagge Patriots (Millard South) is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, with the winner advancing in the elimination bracket.

A baseball player attempting to catch a ball while another player runs toward first base during a game.
Kellen Mlnarik secures the out at first base with a well-timed catch.
A baseball player sliding into a base while another player is in a crouched position nearby. The player in white is reaching for the base, demonstrating a dynamic play on the field.
A young baseball player in a white uniform is kneeling on the grass, preparing to catch a ball.
A baseball player diving to catch a ball on a grassy field, with a large 'BASEBALL' sign in the background.
A baseball pitcher in a white uniform is throwing a pitch on a sunny day, with another player visible in the background.
A young baseball player swings a bat at a pitched ball while a catcher waits behind home plate.
A baseball player in a blue uniform swings at a pitched ball during a game, while an umpire and other players look on.
A young baseball player in a blue uniform sprinting towards first base during a game, with an opposing player in a white uniform in the background and an umpire observing the play.
A baseball play at home plate with a runner sliding in, while the catcher prepares to catch the ball. An umpire is signaling a call while players in the background react.
A young baseball player running towards home plate, wearing a blue helmet and a white uniform with teal accents, on a sunny day with a sports field background and a banner advertising financial services in the distance.
A baseball player in white slides into base while being tagged by a defender in blue. An umpire watches the play.
A pitcher throwing a baseball from the pitcher's mound in a baseball game. Another player is positioned in the background, ready to field the ball.
A baseball player in a white uniform with blue accents swings a bat at a pitch on a baseball field, while a catcher in red gear prepares to catch the ball.
A baseball player with the number 12 swings a bat at a pitch while a catcher in red gear prepares to receive the ball during a game on a sunny day.
A baseball player in a white uniform swings at a pitched ball, while a catcher in red crouches behind home plate. Spectators are visible in the background.
A young baseball player in a blue jersey swings a bat at a pitch during a game, with a catcher in red gear poised behind him and spectators in the background.
A young baseball player fields a ball and prepares to throw it during a game, with a field and spectators in the background.
A young baseball player in a white uniform crouches to field a ground ball on a baseball diamond.
A baseball player in a blue helmet and white uniform swings at a pitch while the catcher in red gear prepares to receive the ball. The scene takes place on a sunny day at a baseball field.
A young baseball player in a light blue uniform swings a bat at a pitch during a game, while a catcher in red gear prepares to catch the ball.
A baseball pitcher in mid-throw on a field, wearing a white and blue uniform with a cap, showing an expressive facial expression.
A baseball player in a white uniform is catching a ball while another player in the background prepares to pitch on a baseball field.
A baseball player swings at a pitch while a catcher crouches behind home plate, with spectators visible in the background.
A baseball player stands on the field, wearing a blue helmet and white uniform, with hands on hips, observing teammates in the background.
A young baseball player swings a bat while the catcher prepares to receive the pitch, with spectators in the background.
A baseball player in a blue cap swings a bat at a flying baseball while a catcher in red gear prepares to catch. The scene takes place on a green turf field with spectators in the background.
A baseball player swings at a pitch while the catcher prepares to receive the ball, with an umpire observing the play.

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