Despite allowing just a single run over two games and 19 innings on Sunday, the Langley Blaze were relegated to second place in Bellingham at the S&S Concrete Construction American Legion Invitational tournament.
The U18 Blaze baseball team won their earlier semifinal game on the tournament’s final day, 3-0, but were locked in a scoreless duel with Bellingham Post 7 in the final.
The game stretched to 12 innings, before the hosts scored the only run to triumph 1-0.
Despite the runner-up finish, Langley was nearly lights out over the three-day tournament. The team allowed just four runs total over the course of their five games.
The Blaze (26-8), who sit a half-game back of first place in the B.C. Premier Baseball League, host the Coquitlam Reds (19-15) on Thursday (June 23) at McLeod Park.
In Langley’s most recent league game last week, they defeated the North Shore Twins 7-1.
Greg Rogers drove in three runs, while Jerod Bartnik and Zach Mihic each had one RBI.
The Blaze were a menace on the base paths all game long, swiping 11 bases.
On the mound, Karl Malacek allowed one run on seven hits, while striking out seven through six innings.