Retil Oil late rally falls short in loss to Crowley in American Legion state tournament

Defending state champion Retif Oil fell 8-6 to the Crowley Millers in the opening game of the American Legion State Baseball Tournament at East Ascension High School in Gonzales.

The Jesuit-based Oilers jumped on top with a run in the top of the first inning before Crowley answered with three runs in the bottom of the first to take a 3-1 lead.

The Millers added two runs each in the third and fourth innings to take a commanding 7-1 lead. Each team scored a run in the fifth and it was 8-2. Retif Oil rallied with four runs in the seventh inning but fell short.

The game was delayed for just over two hours by bad weather

Alex Jeansonne had three hits and an RBI as part of an 11-hit attack for Retif Oil. Jackson Stopa and Jake Moreci each had a pair of hits.

Everett Denny pitched one perfect inning.

Bryce Pitts started and went two and two-third innings, allowing seven runs (five earned) on six hits with a walk and a strikeout and took the loss. Gates Barre’ went a third of an inning before Everett Denny pitched a perfect inning. Daniel Burke went two innings, allowing a run on four hits with two walks and a strikeout.

Caleb Comeaux was the star for Crowley, picking up the win on the mound and producing two hits and three RBI to the Millers offense. Comeaux went five and a third innings, striking out seven, allowing two runs.

Retif Oil (14-2) returns to action in an elimination game at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Crowley (18-8-3) will face Gibbs Construction (21-3) at 10 a.m. Saturday at Dutchtown. Gibbs received the only bye in the seven-team event.