Win sends Bedford to American Legion World Series

The Bedford Post 54 baseball team defeated Whitestown, N.Y., 10-0 Monday afternoon at The Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, to win the Northeast Regional and advance to the American Legion World Series. The game was called after eight innings due to the mercy rule.

Lucas Olen pitched all eight innings, scattering four hits while striking out eight. It was the third straight win for Olen, who shut out Dover in the New Hampshire final before giving up just one run in 17 innings at the regional. Bedford went 5-0 in the regional tournament, and has won 18 of its last 20 games, including 9-1 in the two tournaments.

Pat Parker was named the most valuable player of the regional tournament after going 3 for 4 with a solo home run, three runs scored and two RBIs against Whitestown. Parker batted .524 for the tournament, leading Post 54 with 11 hits, including two doubles and a homer, and five RBIs. The pitching staff of Olen, Joe Maher, Tom Hudon, Ryan Mossman and Spencer Damon allowed just four runs – two earned – in the five regional games.

Bedford (20-5) will now head to Shelby, N.C., for the ALWS, and are scheduled to play Southeast champion, Gaffney, S.C., in the second game of a doubleheader that starts at 5 p.m. on Friday.

Bedford earns trip to Legion World Series – Union Leader