Ryan Mercer pitches for Richland against Sumter in the S.C. American Legion State Tournament. Photo by Claire Ward Going into the bottom of the sixth, Richland pitcher Ryan Mercer had allowed only one run to Sumter Post 15 despite giving up seven hits. However, that changed with one controversial play. With runners on second and third with one out, Sumter’s Cam Martin hit a slow roller between the pitcher and the first baseline. What seemed like a routine out at first was ruled a base hit after Martin was called safe, allowing Zachary Sherrill to score tying the game at 2–2 and giving Sumter runners on first and third with still one out.

“I got a horrible call at first base, and it started the whole thing going,” Richland coach Ray Derrick said.

The break seemed to open up the flood gates for Sumter. The next batter Blake Graham broke the tie with an RBI single. Two batters later, Bruce Caldwell brought in two runs with a triple. Michael Blackmon followed up with an RBI single giving Sumter a 6–2 lead. Mercer was able to shut down the Sumter bats after that giving Richland Post 6 an opportunity going into the top of the ninth.

Raymond Prince bats for Post 6 against Sumter Post 15. Photo by Claire Ward “He didn’t pitch badly, and he didn’t deserve to have five runs. He pitched absolutely fantastic— good enough to win the game,” Derrick said.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, Derrick decided to send Jay Roberts to the plate. The lineup change appeared to make a difference as Roberts provided a little momentum for Richland with a double. The next batter, Chandler Knox, was hit by a pitch giving Post 6 runners on first and second with two outs. An RBI single by Mercer, scoring Roberts, brought Richland within three runs at 6–3. Kyle Towles appeared to keep the momentum going with a hit of his own, scoring Knox, but Mercer was thrown out at third on the play and Sumter held on for the 6–4 win.

“I thought we outplayed them,” Derrick said. “It’s tough to lose this one.”