A 4-run rally in the Top 7th gave Manning-Santee Post 68 a 7-3 lead which seemingly put it in position to take Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series on the road.
Lexington Post 7, however, used the bottom half of the inning to mount its own comeback. It scored 5 runs to take a 8-7 victory at the Lexington Sports Complex.
Brett McEwen's RBI walkoff single capped the rally which started on a leadoff single by Chris Rikard. After Matt Willis walked, Patrick Boyle singled home Rikard to make it 7-4.
Eric Beebe, who accounted for all 3 Lexington runs prior to the 7th inning, was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A sacrifice fly by Owen Pickel brought Lexington to within 7-5 and a walk issued to Noah Lebron once again loaded the bases.
Wyatt Keisler tied the game with a 2-run single, setting up McEwen's heroics after going hitless in his previous 4 at-bats.
Game 2 is set for Thursday at Monarch Field in Manning. If Game 3 is necessary, it will take place at Lexington Sports Complex on Friday.
The series winner will open a Best-of-5 at Florence Post 1 on Monday.
Chapin/Newberry advances
The defending state American Legion champions advance to the next round after a 7-5 win at Easley Post 52 in the deciding game of the Best-of-3 series.
A 5-run rally in the Top 3rd helped Chapin-Newberry take an early lead. Jackie Stroud had the first of 2, 2-run doubles in the 3rd and 5th innings to led Post 193/24.
The latter came after Easley cut the lead to 5-4. Wesley Livingston entered the contest and allowed just 1 run the rest of the way in relief of winner Nickie Demasi.
Chapin/Newberry will open a Best-of-5 series Monday against Greer Post 115 at Stevens Field in Greer.