The Shadow
WAYNESBORO, Va. (VR) – The Covington Lumberjacks opened their season with an 8-6 road victory over Staunton on Friday night, overcoming an early deficit and using a balanced offensive attack to secure the win.
Staunton struck first with a run in the opening inning before adding two more in the third to take a 3-1 lead. Covington answered throughout the middle innings, scoring one run in the third, two in the fourth, and three more in the fifth to take control of the game.
The Lumberjacks added two insurance runs in the seventh inning before holding off a late Staunton rally in the eighth.
George Pardo Jr. led the Covington offense, finishing 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two walks, and a double. Luca Mendez crossed the plate three times while reaching base with a hit and two walks.
Chris Carroll delivered a key performance at the plate, going 1-for-4 with two RBI and two walks. Jadyn Perez drove in two runs and drew two walks, while Jake Ambrosio added an RBI, a run scored, and a hit.
Frankie Clark scored a run and reached base via a walk, while Bryant Zayas added a run scored and swiped a base. Clark also stole a base for Covington.
The Lumberjacks collected six hits but capitalized on patient at-bats, drawing 10 walks as a team.
On the mound, four Covington pitchers combined to secure the victory. Lucas Rodriguez started and faced 15 batters, throwing 51 pitches with 29 strikes. Enzo Gurgel earned the win in relief, working against four batters while throwing 14 pitches.
Robert Boring faced 11 batters and recorded 20 strikes on 37 pitches before Aniel Berbes closed out the game. Berbes faced 14 batters and threw 52 pitches, helping preserve the season-opening victory.
