The American Legion Post 70 wrapped up their summer on Sunday with a second-place finish in the Southeastern Regional Tournament in Asheboro, North Carolina. With a spot in the American Legion World Series on the line, Post 70 fell to Randolph County Post 45 3-2. Both of Post 70’s losses in the tournament came against Post 45.

“Ultimately, it came down to us not making the big plays or getting the big hit when we needed to,” said head coach Rush Hixon. “When you lose a one-run game, there are always little things you can look at. Ultimately, there were a lot of little things that we saw that we could have done differently.”

This is the third straight year that Post 70 advanced to the regional tournament. Post 70 picked up three wins this year, more than the first two year’s combined.

“It was an awesome experience,” Hixon said. “The last two years that we went up there it was an awesome experience, but we only won one game. This year was a little different. We felt really good going into the tournament. We performed well and won the first game. The experience was awesome. Regardless of the loss, I think the guys learned something and it’s an experience they can take with them.”

Post 70 had the opportunity to play in North Carolina in the regionals, a place that is known to be a hotbed for American Legion baseball.

“One word I could use to describe it would be passionate,” Hixon said. “There are a lot of people up there that are really passionate about American Legion baseball. In the state of Alabama it has kind of died down a little bit due to travel ball. Up there, once you get up there to the regional, it’s just a very passionate fan base.”

Post 70 finished the summer with a 31-8 record. Hixon hopes he and the team could build off this season’s success.

“Coach (John) Rushing got this going six years ago and in those six years we have won three state championships and now a regional runner-up,” Hixon said. “Getting it going in this area and getting some interest all throughout the Wiregrass is something I will take away from this summer. After this summer, I am very pleased with the direction that the program is moving. I think we put Post 70 and American Legion on the map.”