The Shadow
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Junior Varsity Cougars faced a tough challenge on Tuesday, falling to Northside 5-0 in a hard-fought road game. Despite a solid pitching performance from starter Lennox Webb, the Cougars were unable to get their offense going. Webb took the mound for Alleghany, pitching four innings and allowing three runs on two hits. Though he struck out seven batters, he struggled with control, walking six. Webb worked hard to keep his team in the game, but Northside’s timely hitting and aggressive play were too much to overcome.
The game was decided in the bottom of the third inning, when Northside broke through for three runs. Jackson Slate doubled to drive in the first run, and a fielder’s choice from Corbin Young brought in two more. The Cougars’ defense couldn’t escape the jam, and Northside built a lead they would not relinquish.
Offensively, the Cougars had their chances but couldn’t capitalize. Zane George, Colten Jack, Talyn Elliott, and Ben Skidmore each picked up a hit, but Alleghany couldn’t string together any sustained rallies. Northside’s Sam Vann kept the Cougars off the scoreboard for six innings, surrendering just three hits while striking out five and walking five.
Though the Cougars struggled to get the bats going, they showed grit throughout the game. They worked hard on defense, though Northside’s offensive attack and three double plays prevented any scoring opportunities from turning into big innings.
