Shaq Thompson gave up only one run during his mound time for Shelbyville in the state tournament. (Photo by Mike Smith) [Click to enlarge]

NEWBERN -- Shelbyville Post 23's Shaquille Thompson wasted little time flying through a potent Union City lineup Thursday night during the opening round of the American Legion state tournament being held at Dyer County High School.

The right-hander went 5 2/3 innings, scattering four hits and fanning six, while allowing just one run as Shelbyville overcame a 1-0 deficit with two runs in the bottom of the fifth to win 2-1.

Union City took an early 1-0 lead in the top of third with some help from the Shelbyville defense. After Cameron Sherwood landed at second after a laser to the gap in left-center, teammate Madison Huey's grounder got through the Post 23 defense allowing the fleet-footed Sherwood to score.

After the pitching duel continued for the next two innings, Shelbyville looked to answer in the bottom of the fifth.

Batting in the eighth spot, Tyler Vannatta reached on a sweet bunt down the third base line to start the inning. One batter later Union City aided the Shelbyville cause with an error of their own. Tyler Montgomery grounded to Union City starter Collin Hatch in what appeared to be an easy force play. Fortunately for Shelbyville, Hatch's throw to second sailed into center field allowing runners at first and second.

With no outs, Seth Draine drew a walk to load the bases before teammate Will Trice ripped a Hatch offering to right field, knotting the contest at 1-all. With one out and the bases loaded, Connor Tracey was hit by a pitch to push Montgomery across the plate for the 2-1 advantage.

Perhaps tiring from the late afternoon heat, Thompson gave up two hits prompting a pitching change. After receiving a nice ovation from the Shelbyville faithful, Thompson was relieved by Hunter Brothers.

With two aboard and two outs, Brothers needed a mere two pitches to get Union City's Brandon Petty to hit into a force out at third to end the threat.

Brothers earned the save, going 1 1/3 innings. The right-hander fanned two Union City batters in the seventh while allowing one hit.

Post 23 faces the defending state champion Newbern Tomahawks on Friday at 2 p.m. at Dyer County High School.