The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Junior Varsity Cougars came out swinging Monday, completely dominating Staunton in a 11-1 victory that showed just how unstoppable they can be. From Ben Skidmore’s nasty pitching to some insane base running and clutch hits, this game was a total blowout from start to finish.
Skidmore was straight-up untouchable. The guy punched out 10 batters in just five innings, only letting up three hits and one run. He was hitting his spots all day, keeping Staunton guessing and making it look easy. If that’s how he pitches all season, you can bet teams will be shaking in their cleats when they face him.
On offense, the Cougars didn’t waste any time putting runs on the board. In the bottom of the first, Joel Bradshaw reached base with a fielder’s choice that scored a run, and then Lennox Webb came through with a big two-RBI double to give Alleghany a quick 3-0 lead. They were off and running, and Staunton had no answer.
In the third inning, the Cougars really turned up the heat. Carson Cosby, Zane George, and Levi Elmore each knocked in a run with RBI singles, pushing the lead to 6-1. It was a full-on offensive explosion, and Staunton just couldn’t keep up.
Webb was a beast at the plate, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, but it wasn’t just him. The Cougars were playing smart and aggressive baseball, drawing nine walks and stealing seven bases. Talyn Elliott was a menace on the base paths, picking up three walks and swiping three bags like he was playing in fast-forward mode. Every time Staunton tried to regroup, Alleghany was right there, running wild.
On the other side, Staunton’s pitcher Hayden Burruss couldn’t get it together. He gave up eight runs (seven earned) in just 3.2 innings, walking seven batters and getting hit hard. It was a rough day for him, especially with Alleghany’s patience at the plate and the pressure from the base paths.
The best Staunton could do was Austin Sullenger, who went 2-for-3 and stole two bases, but it wasn’t nearly enough to stop the Cougars’ juggernaut performance.
This game was a total statement from the Cougars. With Skidmore’s pitching, Webb’s big bat, and the team’s aggressive base running, they showed they can do it all. Alleghany’s offense was relentless, and their defense never let Staunton get comfortable.
The boys will be back in action on Tuesday when they take the field at Glenvar.
