The Shadow
ROANOKE, Va. (VR) – The Covington Middle School baseball team put together a complete performance Monday afternoon, riding key contributions from the bottom of the lineup to a commanding 14-2 victory over Fishwick.
Mike Bartley, Andrew Hansford, and Noah Taylor combined for four of Covington’s eight hits, scored four runs, and drove in three more. Their production helped spark a nine-run first inning that broke the game wide open.
Hayden Wolfe opened the scoring with an RBI double before Talin Raether and Ben Milton drew bases-loaded walks. Jagger Rowland followed with a run-scoring single, then Taylor delivered a two-run single to center. Hansford added an RBI double, and Raether capped the rally with a two-run double of his own.
Covington kept the pressure on in the second inning, tacking on five more runs. Bartley’s single and a series of patient at-bats led to another big inning, highlighted by another RBI from Raether.
On the mound, Bartley pitched a perfect first inning, striking out two. Kason Carson followed with another scoreless frame, keeping the Chargers from gaining any momentum.
Raether finished the game 2-for-2 with three RBIs, while Bartley also tallied two hits. Jace Cantrell contributed by drawing three walks, helping Covington work a total of 11 free passes.
The Cougars’ aggressive base-running was also on full display, swiping 12 stolen bases, with Milton, Eithan Banker, Cantrell, and Taylor each stealing multiple bags. Covington’s defense was spotless, not committing a single error, with Raether handling a team-high five chances.
Evans led Fishwick offensively, driving in both runs for the Chargers with a 1-for-1 performance.
