Drew Harmon throws a pitch for Randolph County Post 45 earlier this season in American Legion baseball. (Randolph Record)
ASHEBORO – Randolph County Post 45 needs pitching depth to challenge for the American Legion’s Southeast Regional title.
Despite a regular season that didn’t pan out well, Post 45 enters this week with a chance to make things right as the host team at McCrary Park.
In order to advance as far as Sunday’s title game, Randolph County will rely on pitching.
That’s where Drew Harmon and others can make a difference.
Harmon emerged as among the key pitchers this year.
“My innings were limited the first couple of years,” Harmon said. “My problem was throwing strikes.”
But he ironed some of that out. It was on full display when his first complete game came with a June 21 two-hitter against Berkeley (W.Va.) Post 14.
Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said that seemed like a breakthrough.
“He has probably been down in the rotation a little,” Pugh said.
Harmon said it was a matter of making regular strides.
“Last year, Coach Pugh told me I would get a good amount of innings,” Harmon said. “I’m taking my pitching a lot more serious.”
During the high school season, he became Montgomery Central’s ace. He played as a third baseman or shortstop when not on the mound in the high school season.
Harmon said he understands the value of giving the team a long outing, particularly with games potentially on consecutive days.
“It saves guys we have,” Harmon said.
The Southeast Regional begins Wednesday and continues through the weekend. It’s an eight-team double-elimination format. Randolph County plays the nightcap Wednesday against Chesapeake (Va.) Post
Pugh said Post 45’s pitching depth has been a plus, with Harmon, Drake Purvis, Samuel Asbill, Austin Lemons, Parker Kines and Brett Smith carrying the load at times and Connor Adams, Braxton Walker and Jake Riddle providing boosts as well.
After Wednesday, game times for Post 45 will be determined based on results. Aside from Post 45 and North Carolina state champion Wayne County Post 11, the tournament field includes teams from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and Puerto Rico. This is the first time Puerto Rico is competing in American Legion since 2011.
Wednesday’s schedule
Jacksonville (Fla.) Post 316 vs. Troy (Ala.) Post 70, 9:30 a.m.
Covington (Ga.) Post 32 vs. Camden (S.C.) Post 17, 12:30 p.m.
Wayne County Post 11 vs. Puerto Rico at 4:30 p.m.
Chesapeake (Va.) Post 280 vs. Randolph County Post 45, 7:30 p.m.
