The Shadow
CARROLL COUNTY, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Varsity baseball team faced off against Carroll County on Friday, in a tense battle that ultimately ended in a 3-2 loss for the Cougars. Despite out-hitting the Cavaliers 5-2, Alleghany struggled to convert opportunities into runs, while Carroll County’s timely hitting proved to be the difference.
Tucker Phillips started on the mound for the Cougars and delivered a strong performance, going 4 and 2/3 innings. Phillips allowed only two hits and three runs (one earned), but struggled with walks, issuing three free passes. While he didn’t register any strikeouts, Phillips kept his team in the game, relying on solid defensive support behind him.
Carroll County got on the scoreboard early, plating a run in the first inning. Ben Phillips singled to drive in the first run of the game, putting the Cavaliers up 1-0. They would extend their lead in the bottom of the third when Cody Reece crushed a solo home run to center field, giving Carroll County a 2-0 advantage.
The Cougars showed their resilience in the sixth inning, when Jalen Raether delivered a clutch two-run home run to left field, tying the game at 2-2. Raether’s timely swing brought Alleghany back into the contest and injected life into the dugout, but the momentum was short-lived as the Cavaliers answered in the bottom of the inning with a go-ahead run, making it 3-2.
Although Alleghany had multiple scoring chances, the Cougars couldn’t push across any more runs. Carroll County’s defense, which was flawless all game, was a key factor in shutting down Alleghany’s late-game rallies. The Cavaliers turned one double play and did not commit a single error, highlighting their defensive discipline. On the mound for Carroll County, Reece was the standout performer. The right-hander tossed five and two-thirds innings, giving up five hits and two runs, while striking out three and walking just one. Reece’s performance earned him the win, and Peyton Spencer came in to seal the victory with a save in the final inning.
Raether’s performance at the plate was a bright spot for the Cougars. The senior went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, including the big home run in the sixth inning that briefly tied the game. Phillips also had a solid day in the field, contributing key defensive plays, including a double play, to help keep Alleghany in the game.
Despite the loss, the Cougars’ pitching and defense were strong, and they were able to keep pace with Carroll County throughout the game. However, the Cavaliers’ timely hitting, including the clutch home runs by Reece and Phillips, proved to be the difference in the contest.
