The Shadow
STAUNTON, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Cougars Varsity baseball team roared to life Friday night, overcoming an early deficit to defeat Staunton Varsity Storm 8–4 in a gutsy road win.
Staunton struck first in the bottom of the opening frame when Henry Knox knocked a single into center field, sparking a two-run inning helped along by a Cougars error. But Alleghany didn’t stay behind for long.
In the top of the third, the Cougars seized control with a five-run outburst on just two hits, capitalizing on a costly error by Staunton that plated two. That rally flipped the game’s momentum and gave Alleghany a 5–2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Trey Cook took the mound for Alleghany and held strong through four innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits, striking out three and walking one to earn the win. Jalen Raether came in to close the door and earned the save.
Raether also led the charge offensively, going 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot. Cook helped his own cause with two hits, while Rilee Webb drove in a team-high two runs despite going 1-for-4.
The Cougars’ defense came up big as well, turning two double plays to halt potential Staunton rallies.
For the Storm, Knox and Riley Cook each drove in a run, while Daniel Caswell led their lineup with a 2-for-4 effort at the plate. Starter Dale Leslie took the loss, giving up five runs (three earned) over three innings of work.
With strong bats, heads-up baserunning, and key defensive plays, the Cougars showed they know how to finish — and they’ll look to carry that momentum deeper into the season.
