Road Warriors second in district tourney

FAIRBANKS - The Kenai Twins topped the Alaska Road Warriors on Thursday to win the American Legion District II title.

The Twins used a 7-1 win over the Road Warriors, a Wasilla-based squad, to win the championship at Growden Park in Fairbanks.

Alaska, the No. 2 seed out of District II, now moves onto the American Legion state tournament. The Road Warriors' first-round game is scheduled for Tuesday at noon at Mulcahy Stadium in Anchorage. Their first-round opponent is expected to be the Bartlett Golden Bears.

With a 3-2 win over host Fairbanks Thursday afternoon, Alaska climbed into the title game. Todd Loria earned the win on the mound for the Warriors.

Alaska head coach Steve Mossburgh said Loria, now 7-2 for the season, has been a big key to the success of his team this season.

&#8220I expected him to throw well, but I don't think I expected those results,” Mossburgh said.

Alaska scored three first-inning runs to jump to the early lead.

Mossburgh said the Road Warriors saw their most offensive success in the first game of the tourney, despite suffering an 8-7 loss to Fairbanks.

Casey Smith, Adam Briceland and Josh Morlan each had multiple hits as the Warriors marched to an early 7-2 lead.

The 49ers were able to claw their way back into the game, scoring six late runs to steal the victory.

Though the Warriors lost in the first round, a win on the second day of the three-team double elimination tournament allowed Alaska to secure a spot in the title game.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.