Gauthier Amedee falls short in American Legion World Series semifinals

A great summer season came to an end Monday night for Gonzales-based Gauthier Amedee.

The Wombats fell 6-1 to Las Vegas in the semifinals of the American Legion World Series at Shelby, North Carolina.

Las Vegas never trailed, scoring a run in the top of the first, padding the lead with two runs in the top of the fifth and three more in the sixth inning. Gauthier Amedee got its only run in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Preston Thrash, the only hit of the game by the Wombats.

Jimmy Gamboa was dominant, going the distance. He walked three and struck out nine to pick up the win, using 107 pitches. Gamboa carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

Jake Merrifield started and took the loss for Gauthier Amedee (44-7), going 4 2/3 innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on six hits. He walked two and struck out three. Austin Bankert and Blaise Foote finished up for the Wombats. Chaison Miklich homered and drove in three runs for Las Vegas (50-16).

With the win, Las Vegas advances to the championship game to take on Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday night. Wilmington advanced with a 5-4 victory over Michigan in 10 innings. A Las Vegas team – based at a different high school – won the 2017 Legion World Series.

Gauthier Amedee was seeking to become the 13th Louisiana team to reach the Legion World Series final and the first since Jesuit-based Retif Oil in 2015.