EASLEY — The Post 52 American Legion baseball team has opened its season with a 5-1 record, putting Easley in first place in the League VII standings.

Easley willhost Golden Strip 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Easley defeated Greenwood 6-4 Friday night, despite a special appearance by Greenwood ace Christian Powell.

Powell, whose college team was eliminated in an NCAA Regional by Coastal Carolina, had been given the go-ahead to pitch just 15 innings for his hometown American Legion Post 20 team.

Powell made his first appearance of the year for Greenwood in the ninth inning of Friday’s game against Easley.

Powell, who was 7-4 for the College of Charleston and earned all-Southern Conference freshman honors, struggled with his control.

Easley’s Brett Finley reached base on an error, and later came home on a passed ball. Post 52 added another run later in the inning to take a 6-4 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, Easley pitcher Kirby Lesley finished his complete game win, striking out the final Greenwood batter.

Greenwood, the defending District VII champions, dropped to 3-3 in league play.

Easley’s only loss of the season came against Greenville last Thursday.

Easley opened the season with four straight league wins. Easley’s first win over Golden Strip was scored as 1-0, as Golden Strip had to forfeit the game.

Easley then defeated Greenwood 10-0. Brett Finley was the winning pitcher, striking out 10 batters while scattering five hits.

Easley had 10 runs on 10 hits. Hunter Burton had two singles and a double, driving in two runs. Burton’ walk-off hit drove in the run that gave Easley the 10-0 lead, allowing the game to end by the mercy rule.

Matt Whitworth had two singles and a double, driving in two runs. Brett Cash had three singles, driving in two runds.

Easley then topped Golden Strip 17-2. Kilby Lesley pitched a one-hitter to pick up the win. He struck out five batters.

Easley’s 17 runs came off 13 hits. Brett Cash had three hits and 5 rbi. Elliot Caldwell had two doubles.

L.J. Newman was the winning pitcher when Easley defeated Walhalla 10-0. Newman allowed just three hits while striking out seven.

Brett Cash just missed hitting for the cycle, with a single, a double and a home run. Cash drove in two runs.

Easley plays at Walhalla Thursday night, then travels to Greenville Friday night.

Post 52 will return home next Tuesday night as they host Greenwood.