Don Jeter pitches for Richland against West Columbia. A year ago, the final week of the regular season was filled with intrigue as league teams headed toward a four–way tie atop the American Legion League 8 standings.

This summer, the season’s final week shaped up to have far less drama.

With a 12–0 victory against Richland in a game shortened to seven innings by the 10–run rule on Saturday, West Columbia (8–4) took a firm grip on second place with four games to play. In addition to opening a two–game lead in the loss column on Richland in the standings, West Columbia also won the season series with Post 6, 3–1.

Pitcher Ken Smoak led the way for Post 79, holding Richland to three hits and a walk.

“He’s gained more control over his changeup,” West Columbia manager Legree Oswald said. “He didn’t throw it much in high school, but he’s been working on it.”

Ken Smoak pitches for West Columbia against Richland. Photos by Claire Ward Smoak, who plans to enroll at Florence– Darlington Technical College later this summer, recorded 18 ground ball outs and struck out one.

“He pitched in the P Leagues for several years and has done a good job for us in middle relief over the years,” Oswald said. “This season, we’ve needed him in a starting role more often, and he has come in and done a nice job.”

At the plate, West Columbia scored in every inning but the first and produced 14 hits. Corey Holmes led the attack with three singles, three RBI, and three runs scored. Wesley Camp added three hits and two RBI, and Todd Joyner laced a pair of doubles while reaching base four times. Stuart Pound scored three runs.

That offense was more than enough against a Richland squad that dressed only 10 players because of vacations and other commitments. Only three regular starters were in the lineup, and Bud Jeter drew the start in only his second pitching assignment of the season following an injury.

Stuart Pound and Todd Joyner run home after Corey Holmes hits a single. Photo by Claire Ward “We’re not playing very good right now, and it worries me a little as we head into the tournament,” Richland manager Ray Derrick said. “Even short–handed, we should still be able to compete, and we aren’t right now. But, we will. With only two games during the final week, we’ll have time to practice and get everyone back. We still have the chance to be a pretty good team.”

And, the Pathfinders headed into the final week knowing they would earn one of the playoff berths, likely third place.