Sixers gain momentum despite inconsistent tournament play The Stevens Point American Legion Post 6 baseball (Sixers) team ended its regular season play in the same inconsistent fashion in which it played all year. The team went 3-2 (finishing 18-16 overall and 10-6 in the Valley Conference) over the last week and looked dominating at times and lost at others. While the team lost a close one to Nekoosa, Sixers manager Tom Drohner said he didn't think it would affect them going into the regional. "We came in and won a close one on Monday, and I think that will help," he said. "We're young and need to get behind each other and just find a way to get things done." Drohner said the team needs to improve to do damage in the regional. "We need to play better defense. Early in the season we had been playing good 'D' but that's let down lately," he said, "We need to make the routine plays. That's key." The team will next play in the Valley Conference regional tournament, Thursday to Sunday, July 26-29, in Wisconsin Rapids. Recent Games The Sixers ended the regular season on a positive note, defeating Rhinelander, 6-5, in the regular season finale on Monday, July 23. Randy Printz led the team from the plate, going 2-4. Eric Napowicki chipped in with a two-run homerun. Sunday, July 22, the team lost a close one to Nekoosa, 10-9, in the championship game of the Don Friday Invitational. The loss was extra painful, as it was Bruce Berry Day at the park, in honor of announcer Bruce Berry, who died recently. Eric Shipferling provided a bright spot with a three-run homer. Saturday, July 21, the Sixers were dealt another loss in the Don Friday Invitational, losing, 7-1, to Genoa City. Dan Yudchitz led the Sixers from the plate with a double and a RBI. The Sixers opened the Don Friday Invitational with a win over Viroqua, 12-6. Pitcher Chris Jacobson went the distance, overcoming a rough start where he walked the first two batters of the game and gave up a three-run homer. He finished the night with nine strikeouts and six walks. Randy Printz, Dan Yudchitz and Eric Napiwocki each had two hits. Printz also had three RBIs. Thursday, July 19, the Sixers squeaked out a close win over Merril, 6-5. Pitcher Dan Yudchitz struck out 12 batters while walking only two. Jesse Nagorski led the team from the plate with three RBIs. Brad Heeg chipped in with a pair of hits. Upcoming Games The Sixers begin play in the upcoming regional tournament, Thursday, July 26. Stevens Point will face off against Marshfield in game two of the tournament at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in Wisconsin Rapids.