Barburs almost get all the way

Legion state champs get to national final, but lose a big lead

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The long-time state champion nearly pulled of a national championship run for American Legion baseball - but missed by just a few innings.

Portland Barburs Post 158 won the state title for the third time in four years, then won the Regional title for the second consecutive year and played into the national tournament final, where it smacked out a 6-1 lead after two innings. Then, the team from Lincoln, Neb., rallied and won 9-6 in the final of the tournament played at Shelby, N.C., Aug. 19.

The Barburs finished third in the tournament, also played at Shelby, last year.

A team from Oregon has not won the final since 1969, when the Madison Contractors accomplished the feat. The tournament, held since 1926, has been played in Oregon - in Roseburg.

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