The Shadow
COVINGTON – It was one of those odd games this past Saturday in Covington. Through nine innings of Valley League Baseball there were a total of two runs scored. Then in one extra inning a total of six runs crossed the plate. However, it was the Lumberjacks who were on the receiving end of a heartbreaking 5-3 home loss in 10 innings to Culpeper at Casey Field.
With the score tied 1-1 after the regulation Culpeper scored four times in the top of the 10th inning, including twice with two outs.
The big hit of the inning came from Blagen Pado (2-for-5) who brought in the go-ahead run to put the Cavaliers in front 2-1. A few batters later after the Cavs’ scored a run on a fielder’s choice, Covington would make a crucial fielding error that brought in the third run of the inning instead of the final out. The next batter Bryce Demory (3-for-5) would single home the fourth run of the inning for the Cavs to extend the lead to four runs at 5-1.
It was now Covington’s turn.
After allowing four runs in the top half of the inning the Lumberjacks put themselves in the driver’s seat for a dramatic comeback win.
Carlos Castillo (3-for-5) came to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs and brought the crowd into a frenzy as he delivered a two-run single to bring Covington back within two runs.
With two and no outs the Lumberjacks were primed for the comeback. Chenar Brown (2-for-4) would follow Castillo with a single which loaded the bases once again for the Jacks’.
Ryan Kroepel (S) who just subbed after the single from Brown, would settle down and would get the next three outs to end the game and prevent the Jacks’ from rallying back.
Castillo led Covington with three hits in five at bats. Brown, Spencer Williams (2-for-4), and Wilfred Gonzalez (2-for-5) also had a pair of hits in the loss.
The pitching between both teams were key through the first nine innings. Kevin Rodriguez (ND) in only his second start and third appearance for Covington this season put together his best performance. Rodriguez ended up with a no-decision in which he allowed one run on four hits while striking out eight in 5.2 innings. Jaxon Seritt (L) took the loss for the Lumberjacks. Cesar Valera also made an appearance for the Jacks’.
Brok Eddy (W) earned the win for Culpeper. Eddy relieved starter Bobby McDonough (ND) in the fourth inning. Eddy gave up two runs on hits in 5.1 innings while also striking out nine. Kroepel who saved the day for the Cavaliers earned the save in his one shutout inning pitched in.
Culpeper 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 – 5 8 1
Covington 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 – 3 10 1
W – Brok Eddy. L – Jaxon Seritt. S – Ryan Kroepel.
