The Shadow
FLOYD, Va. (VR) – In a nail-biting finish, the Alleghany Cougars Varsity baseball team were edged out by the Floyd County Varsity Buffaloes 3-2 on Friday, as a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed the win for the Buffaloes. The game had been locked at two runs apiece when Johnny Whitlow stepped up to the plate and delivered the decisive hit, sending the Cougars home with a tough defeat.
Both teams brought their best on the mound, with strong pitching performances that kept the game low-scoring. The Buffaloes’ pitchers struck out five batters, while the Cougars’ pitchers were even sharper, recording six strikeouts in the contest.
The Cougars broke the deadlock in the top of the second inning. Tanner Hoke reached base with a single down the left-field line, and Jalen Raether followed up with a sacrifice fly, bringing in the first run of the game. But Floyd County didn’t take long to respond. The Buffaloes tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning and kept the pressure on with a steady offensive attack.
In the seventh inning, the game took another twist when a defensive error from the Cougars allowed Floyd County to score an unearned run, tying the game at 2-2. With neither team able to break the deadlock in the following innings, the stage was set for a dramatic finish.
In the bottom of the ninth, Floyd County’s Whitlow hit the walk-off single, driving in the runner from second base and securing the victory for the Buffaloes. Daecan Slaughter earned the win for Floyd County after pitching two scoreless innings in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out four batters. Raether, who came in to relieve for Alleghany, was tagged with the loss, giving up the walk-off run in just two-thirds of an inning.
Starting pitcher Trey Cook kept the Cougars in the game for eight strong innings, allowing four hits and two runs (one earned), while striking out five and walking one. Zach Turpin started on the mound for Floyd County, pitching seven innings while surrendering six hits and two runs, striking out one and walking one.
Zeke Saville led the Cougars at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two hits. Hoke and Raether both drove in one run, keeping Alleghany competitive throughout the game. Floyd County’s Whitlow finished 2-for-4, with the game-winning single and two hits, while Turpin also contributed with an RBI in the contest.
Despite their efforts, the Cougars couldn’t capitalize on key moments, and the Buffaloes’ flawless defense—without a single error—proved to be the difference in the game. Whitlow also led the Buffaloes defensively with seven putouts.
