Raiders will open state play against host
Host team Salina will be the Lawrence Raiders’ opening-round foe in the Kansas American Legion AAA state baseball tournament Friday.
The Raiders, who will be seeking a fourth straight state title, haven’t played Salina this summer, but they won’t go into the 8 p.m. game at Evans Stadium blind.
“I talked to the Manhattan coach,” Raiders coach Troy Wingert said, “and they have some charts they’re going to send.”
The Raiders (28-5) breezed through last weekend’s zone tournament at Free State, winning by scores of 13-2, 17-0 and 28-2. They’ll take an eight-game win streak to Salina.
If the Raiders win Friday, they’ll meet the winner of the 5 p.m. game between Great Bend and the Blue Valley Jaguars at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The eight-team tournament is scheduled to end Monday, but the double-elimination competition could extend to a 10 a.m. Tuesday contest, if necessary.
The Kansas champion will qualify for the Legion Central Plains Regional on Aug. 10-14 in Aberdeen, S.D.
Legion State Bracket
At Salina Evans Stadium
Friday’s Games
- 11 a.m. – Emporia vs. Arkansas City
- 2 p.m. – Manhattan vs. Olathe East
- 5 p.m. – Great Bend vs. Blue Valley Jaguars
- 8 p.m. – Lawrence Raiders vs. Salina
Saturday’s Games
- 10 a.m. – Losers bracket
- 1 p.m. – Losers bracket
- 5 p.m. – Winners bracket
- 8 p.m. – Winners bracket
Sunday’s Games
- 10 a.m. – TBD
- 1 p.m. – TBD
- 5 p.m. – TBD
- 8 p.m. – TBD
Monday’s Games
- Noon – TBD
- 3 p.m. – Championship
Tuesday’s Game
- 10 a.m. – Championship (if necessary)