Vienna Post 180 Upset in Legion Playoffs

Despite a devastating 18-6 loss to Fairfax Post 177 on Wednesday night to end Vienna Post 180's season, Coach Frank Werman looks back fondly on his summer with the team.

"I think this is one of the best groups of kids we've had as far as our interactions are concerned," Werman said. "We really had a lot of fun this summer. They played for each other. They're all about the team."

On Monday, of the American Legion 17th District Tournament. Last night, a shallow bullpen — because of vacations and illnesses — and a stumped offense contributed to Vienna's loss.

Vienna went through four pitchers — Ryan Corrigan, Brandon Chandler, Chris Hanson and John Beck — who gave up 13 hits and 11 walks, and struck out 10 combined.

"We just didn't have the stuff tonight," Werman said. "You can't win a game with all those walks. We just didn't have it."

Typically a dominant offensive squad, Vienna put up six hits and struck out seven times.

"I thought, because we started scoring so early, we could get to that [their pitcher] and score more runs, but it just didn't happen," Werman said. "We really struggle against the soft curveball guys. They're not patient enough to try to go to right, and when they do they're popping it up."

Post 180 scored most of their runs in the first inning, taking advantage of two walks and an error — along with a line drive single from Hanson and an RBI single from Mario Pomponio — to go up 4-0 heading into the second.

Fairfax took back two of those runs in the top of the second, and Vienna responded with one more in the third thanks to an RBI from Hanson.

Fairfax chipped away at the lead in the third inning, scoring two more runs to put them one run behind. Post 177 blew past Vienna to grab the lead in the fourth, putting Vienna at a 10-5 deficit. Fairfax would continue to dominate offensively for the rest of the game, putting the final score at 18-6.

Fairfax will play Springfield Post 24 in the championship game at 7 p.m. today at Waters Field. If they win tonight, they must win again Friday night to earn the American Legion 17th District Championship title and a berth in the state tournament.

Though his children graduated from being eligible to play Legion ball long ago, Werman has continued as coach for the pure joy of it. He's beginning to contemplate handing over the reins, but remains conflicted.

"It is a lot of work, but I think basically this whole team is eligible to come back next year, so that makes it an even harder decision," Werman said.

If the younger players continue to improve, and those heading off to college in the fall post numbers similar to this summer, Werman could have a competitive team once again next year.

In statistics as of July 19, Vienna had three players hitting over .400 — Eli Facenda (.455), Hanson (.433) and Justin Padgett (.402). Pomponio hit .391. The team batting average is .355. Eight players have an on-base percentage over .400.

For full season statistics, visit the Team Werman website.

Game statistics

Fairfax Post 177

Hits: Chris Hanson (single), Mario Pomponio (single), Joe Corrigan (single, triple), Brandon Chandler (single), Eli Facenda (single)
RBI: Justin Padgett (1), Pomponio (1), Corrigan (1), Hanson (1)

Vienna Post 180

Hits: Bobby Bray (single), Nick Priftis (two singles), Nolan Kime (two singles), Herminio Azor (two singles), Evan Bray (three singles, double), Zachary Hoeth (single), Joe Priftis (single)
RBI: N. Priftis (2), Matt Spaulding (1), Alex Torres (2), E. Bray (6), Kim (1), Hoeth (1), Azor (1), Kyle Hatterick (1), Brandon Waite (1)