By GEORGE MAHL-Sports Editor

RESERVE – A close game early between Reserve Post 159 and Otto Candies was broken open late in the game when Otto scored four runs in the top of the seventh to give them a decisive 9-3 victory in the home opener for Post 159. Aaron Loup picked up the victory for Otto Candies, while Alex McCollum took the loss for Post 159.

Leading 5-3 in the seventh, Otto scored four runs on two hits to take a commanding lead. With one out, Ryne Madere tripled and scored when freshman Jordan Brown singled him home. The big blow in the inning, however, came off the bat of Aramie Melancon. He smashed a ball to left-center, but was thrown out at third while trying to stretch his hit into a triple. Although the hit did do damage as Brown, Andrew Hickman and Landon Braud all scored on the play. Melancon’s out also ended the inning and the Hahnville-based team’s threat.

Otto got in the board first in the top of the second inning. With two outs, Chris Lanoux singled, stole second and later scored on an infield error.

In the bottom of the third, Post 159 grabbed the lead back from Otto. The East St. John -based team, coach by Macky Waguespack, sent seven hitters to the plate and came up with three runs on two hits. Jamal Breaux singled and advanced to second on a walk. Then, one of the strangest plays of the young season occurred. Dominick Thomas struckout, but managed to get to second base due to the ball getting away from the catcher. A triple from Alex McCollum scored both Millet and Thomas.

Otto added one more run in the fifth inning. After Lanoux walked and stole second, McCollum walked the next three batters, which allowed Lanoux to score.

Reserve Post 159 returns to action Saturday at home against Shaw (2 p.m.).