POLSON – As the second inning reached a close, the state of O’Malley Field became undeniable: wet.
Rain had pitter-pattered the grass throughout Sunday morning before the Class A American Legion Baseball state tournament concluded with two final games, but both teams and the umpires tried their best to play through the conditions.
As a light drizzle turned into a steady pour, though, the game was delayed.
Gallatin Valley Outlaws second baseman Aaron DeFrance singles to score two against Mission Valley Sunday, Aug. 4 at O’Malley Field.
Despite the conditions, the Gallatin Valley Outlaws returned to the field to finish off a run-rule, 14-4 victory over the Mission Valley Mariners.
While younger, less-experienced groups might have spent the rain delay joking around and falling victim to distractions, the Outlaws are experienced enough to keep the task at hand the priority.
“Our older guys just kept the focus and kept our younger guys focused,” Outlaws manager Duwayne Scott said.
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Mission Valley second baseman Cody Haggard delivers an RBI single to take the lead against Gallatin Valley Sunday, Aug. 4 at O’Malley Field.
Outlaws pitcher Scotty Lemay, who worked a complete six-inning game, was given his space.
“(We) kinda stay away from our pitcher,” Scott said. “Let him focus on what he’s gotta do when he comes back.”
Resiliency has been a term Scott uses to describe his team plenty. A Friday loss to Glacier that sent Gallatin Valley to the loser’s bracket, an extra-innings thriller against the Billings Cardinals Saturday, an extended stoppage of play due to weather today.
His team has seen its fair share of challenges. Its determination, and resiliency, have helped it earn a chance to win a state title.
“It’s hard to get into this position,” Scott said.
For the Mariners, Sunday’s loss was the end of an impressive run at their home field. After advancing to the tournament automatically as the host, the team took advantage of the opportunity.
Mission Valley second baseman Cody Haggard delivers an RBI single to take the lead against Gallatin Valley Sunday, Aug. 4 at O’Malley Field.
“We always push to get to our white pants, to wear our Sunday whites,” Mariners manager Drew DuMont said. “The kids really put everything out there for us, especially being the underdogs.”
Gallatin Valley lost its last game to Glacier, 7-4, but Scott is confident in his team’s chances in the final game of the year.
“If we swing it a little better and play defense we’ll be fine,” Scott said.
Glacier and Gallatin Valley will play 45 minutes after the conclusion of the previous game.
Carson Cashion is a sports writer for 406 MT Sports, primarily covering the Bitterroot Valley. Follow him on X @CarsonCashion or contact him at carson.cashion@406mtsports.com.
