By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

PORTLAND – There proved to be no let up by New Auburn, but it wasn’t enough in the opening day of the American Legion baseball tournament at Hadlock Field.

Brewer erupted for five runs early, and pitcher Jim Nicknair held his ground, as Brewer posted a 9-5 win Saturday.

New Auburn plays Monmouth at 1 p.m. today in an elimination game.

NAL coach Jeff Benson was unavailable for comment.

NAL starter Brady Blackman ran into trouble, as the first five Falcon batters scored in the bottom of the second. Prentis Swett doubled home a run and Andy Otis had an RBI-single. The key blow was a two-RBI single by Greg Davis.

Rick Adams had an RBI-sacrifice fly. Blackman will attend and play baseball at the University of Southern Maine. Nicknair, a southpaw, was relieved in the sixth.

Davis had a three-RBI double in the fifth, and the Falcons led 9-1.

NAL loaded the bases in the fourth and sixth, Matt Meserve had an RBI groundout, and Blackman singled home Dave Lutz. Derek Doucette smashed a gapper for a three-run double.

Brewer, Zone 1 champions, simply had too much fire power.

Justin Ciszewski was relieved in the sixth, and the NAL defense turned three double plays. Kevin McAvoy, who started at the University of Maine, anchored a solid Brewer infield.

“We was fortunate to score early,” Brewer coach Dave Morris said. “Our offensive execution went well, especially the bottom of the order. Then we went into a lull, but give New Auburn credit, they fought back. I feel it was a lack of focus by us. In order to get where we want to go, we’ll need to play all nine innings.”

Post 153 had a golden opportunity to gain some momentum, but a controversial call ended the first inning. John Alexander led off with an infield single and Justin Ciszewski reached, but Blackman (two hits) grounded into an inning-ending double play.

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