One glaring statistic stood out to Coach Chad Berrey following Sunday’s 7-4 loss to St. Peters.Warrenton had left 12 runners on base.That weakness was in large part responsible for Post 122’s winless season, which concluded in another troubling performance that was compounded by amateur mistakes.“We did not have timely hitting today,” lamented Berrey. “We left all of those runners on base, and probably more than half were in scoring position. We’ve got to work on that.”Warrenton began the season with a healthy roster of 18 players but suited just 10 competitors in its season finale.“We had a lot of guys who aren’t usually starters have to step up in to different roles today,” said Berrey. “We looked to a lot of young guys, and they played well.”Unfortunately, the inability to fill the dugout has prompted coaches to withdraw the team from the Ninth District Tournament. Had Post 122 taken the chance of showing up with limited players on gameday, it would have resulted in a one-year suspension from the American Legion league.Berrey says the lack of success this season often filtered back to a lack of desire or interest in playing.“We don’t have hustle,” said Berrey. “There were three or four times where we got out just from lack of hustle.”Sunday’s performance was actually one of Post 122’s better showings this season.Hunter Russell, Austin Dixon and Jack Darity each scored runs in the third inning, with Luke Darity adding another in the sixth.“We’re taking better at bats,” noted Berrey. “Some of the guys that were shut out at the plate earlier in the season are hitting now.”Progress from younger players was evident, especially from Russell, who went 3-for-4 with three singles.“Hunter really broke out and fixed his swing,” said Berrey. “Now, he’s hitting a lot better.”Luke Darity, Corey Eckenfels and Dixon each added a single.Trevor Bradshaw finished with two singles.But on nights when Warrenton showed improved hitting, its fielding was often suspect.Berrey says the majority of Post 122’s mistakes were inexplicable and inexcusable by the end of the season.

Warrenton Post 122 Senior Legion player Garrett Capstick pitches on Sunday.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.