“The South Whidbey American Legion team played four games in a row to win the year-end tournament last weekend in La Conner, winning three games to finish first. Brian Gabelein did the unusual by pitching the first two games with no relief. The tournament featured wooden bats, and the Whidbey boys put them to good use. The first game saw the local boys beat the Mariner squad by a score of 9 to 1. Offensive honors went to Kevin Arndt, who went 3 for 4 with a home run, while Caden Russell went 2 for 3 with a home run. The defense was led by Justin Barns making three outstanding catches. The second game was again with the Mariner team. This time the Post 141 team won by a score of 12 to 1, with Gabelein once again controlling the opposition. Jimmy Davis led the team going 2 to 2 along with Caden Russell’s 2 for 3 game. The third contest was against the host team from La Conner. Jimmy Davis started the game with Caden Russell picking up the win in relief. Ben Shultz and Brady Switzer both had two hits each. The game winner came off the bat of Kevin Arndt in the last inning. After being intentionally walked twice before, this time the bases were loaded and there was nowhere to put him. He made them pay with a bases loaded double to the fence to win the contest. Playing the fourth game in a row on a hot day started to take its toll on the local boys. With little energy left they lost the last game 6 to 2. Based on their overall record they were awarded first place. According to manager Brad Jaeger, This was the tournament the boys had been really looking forward to playing in. It was one of those days that were meant for baseball and they made the most of it, but I think the most impressive part was watching Brian Gabelein pitch two complete games. Unless something unforeseen happens, the tournament marked the end of the inaugural season for the Post 141 team. The league win-loss record for the year was 16 wins and 3 losses with the tournament record at 3 wins and 5 losses. “