It comes down to 2

Texarkana, Ark., Post 58 and Rowan County, N.C., Post 342 both started the American Legion World Series with disappointing losses. But tonight, one of them will finish as national champion for the first time in its program's history.

Three-game win streaks in the series have advanced both squads to tonight’s title game (7 p.m./ESPNU). Both opening losses were disappointing – Post 58 gave up two runs in the top of the ninth inning in a 4-2 loss to California, while Rowan County lost a 3-0 lead in falling to Indiana.

But those losses are a distant memory now.

“I’m sure that everybody (outside of his team) will tell you they didn’t expect it after our first game,” Texarkana manager Dane Peavy said. “We didn’t play very well. But I’ve been saying all year that I feel like we’re the best team in the country. It’s hard to say that when you’ve got 2,500 other teams vying for that spot. But here we are in that position to show that we can be the No. 1 team in the country.”

Texarkana committed two late base-running errors in the California loss to kill scoring chances. But the Razorbacks rebounded with three straight wins – including a 4-1 semifinal win against Indiana.

“It’s really satisfying,” said Texarkana third baseman Logan Vidrine, who got the win in his team’s semifinal victory Monday. “Everybody stepped up when we needed them to (after the loss).”

Rowan County led Indiana 3-0 in the series opener but committed four errors and lost that game 6-3. Since then, Post 342 has outscored its three opponents 30-6. In the past two games alone, the team has 28 hits.

“They all have … a certain plan they’re trying to execute,” Rowan County coach Jim Gantt said of his team’s hitting surge. “They’re not worried about hitting with two strikes, and that’s a confidence. You’ve got to be a good hitter to not worry about getting in a hole.

“We’re playing well right now. We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t.”

Defensively, Rowan County didn’t commit an error in its 13-4 win against San Mateo. “Defense has been the No. 1 thing for our team,” Rowan County third baseman Juan Garcia said. “Pitchers go out there, pitch the contact, and we’ve been good on the field making plays behind them. That’s a big thing that we’re proud of.”

Defense also is a key for Texarkana. The Razorbacks committed just one error in Monday’s 4-1 win against Indiana. “I keep telling these guys that if we can keep it to one or less error, we’re going to be fine,” Peavy said.

With the nation tuning in on television tonight, Vidrine admitted knowing that can have an impact on players. “There’s always a little nerves, but that can be a good thing,” Vidrine said. “We’re going to go out there, play our game and see what we can do.”

Quick look

Rowan County, N.C., Post 342

Record: 41-13

Stat leaders: Chandler Blackwelder (.250 batting average, 10 runs batted in); Dalton Lankford (.286, 10 runs); Hunter Shepherd (.278, 7 runs, 8 RBIs); Lee Poteat (.395, 13 runs, 9 RBIs); Juan Garcia (.333, 9 runs, 9 RBIs); Brandon Walton (.325, 8 runs); Jake Pritchard (.353, 9 RBIs); Trevor Atwood (6 RBIs); Tanner File (.379, 6 runs, 6 RBIs).

Tonight’s starter: John Owen (1-1, 2.40 earned-run average, 10 Ks).

Texarkana, Ark., Post 58

Record: 41-5

Stat leaders: Matt Goodheart (.256, 6 runs); Blake Hall (.364, 6 runs); Will Smith (.355, 1 HR, 7 RBIs); Parker Ribble (.400, 5 runs); Beau Burson (.333, 1 HR); Logan Vidrine (.308, 5 runs).

Tonight’s starter: Beau Burson (0-0, 7.94 ERA).