GAFFNEY — Union Post 22 had the bases loaded with one out in the ninth inning but failed to capitalize and fell to Gaffney Post 109, 10-9, in American Legion baseball Monday night.

Gaffney was leading 10-8 when pitcher Jason Biershenk allowed three of the first four batters he faced in the ninth inning to reach base and walked in a run which narrowed the score to 10-9. He struck out the next two batters, however, to get the save.

“We played a whole lot better this time than last time,” Union coach Jay Ford said. “We’ve improved a whole lot in the past two to three weeks.”

Union had come back from a 6-2 deficit to take an 8-6 lead, but could not maintain it.

Zack Owens led Post 22 with two singles and a home run.

“He’s staying hot; he’s really hitting the ball,” Ford said.

Josh Simpson also homered for Union, while Desmond Harp added three hits and Tyler Adams collected two hits and drove in two runs. Michael Cobb and Jake Walton added base hits.

Ryan Westbrook led Gaffney’s hitters. He was 4-for-5 with five RBIs and scored three runs. Michael Hughey added two RBIs, while Bryan Parsons and Josh Mata each drove in runs.

Simpson was the starting pitcher for Post 22. He was relieved by Adams in the sixth inning and Cobb finished the game.

“We gave them everything they wanted,” Ford said. “I’m real pleased with the way our guys are playing.”

Post 22 plays at Greer tonight at 7 before returning home Wednesday to face Inman.