Above: New Orleans’ Everett Denny.
For a second straight day, facing elimination, the New Orleans Boosters rallied in the late innings to advance in the 81st AAABA Tournament.
The Boosters overcame a 3-0 deficit by scoring a single run in the sixth inning, four more in the eighth and an insurance run in the ninth to edge the Maryland State Crabfest 6-3 in a semifinal round contest at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point.
Celebrating the franchise’s 80th year and its 75th AAABA Tournament appearance, New Orleans will make its 32nd AAABA Tournament championship game appearance on Saturday night against the winner of a semifinal between Buffalo East Coast Pipleline and defending national champion Johnstown Mainline Pharmacy.
New Orleans has won 18 AAABA Tournament championships and has finished as the runner-up 13 other times.
In the semifinal round, New Orleans pitcher Robert Trey Turnage tossed five scoreless innings in relief of starter Micah Wascom to give his team an opportunity to get back into the game. He struck out three and walked one.
Everett Denny had two hits, two RBIs and two stolen bases. Denny drove in the eventual game-winning run in the eighth inning. Frank Randol had two hits.
Maryland State’s Michael Baez and Ryan Parks each collected two hits, and Harry Middlebrooks ripped a run-scoring double.