The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany Cougars saw their 2026 season come to an end Friday afternoon as Liberty Christian Academy rallied for seven runs in the seventh inning to defeat Alleghany 9-7 in the Region 3C Quarterfinal.
Alleghany held the lead for much of the afternoon and entered the final inning ahead 4-2 before Liberty Christian’s offense erupted in the top of the seventh. The Cougars answered with four runs in the bottom half but could not complete the comeback.
Alleghany struck first in the opening inning, scoring twice to take a 2-1 advantage. Both teams were scoreless in the second before Liberty Christian tied the game with a run in the third. The Cougars regained the lead in the fifth when they pushed across a run for a 3-2 edge.
After both teams scored once in the sixth, Alleghany carried a 4-3 lead into the seventh. Liberty Christian capitalized on opportunities in the final frame, plating seven runs to take control. The Cougars battled back with four runs in the bottom of the inning but fell short.
Kai Rowland led the offense, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, a double, and a walk. Brady May finished 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, and a run scored. Trey Cook delivered the biggest hit of the day, blasting a home run and driving in three runs while scoring once and drawing two walks.
Graham Brewster added a hit, a run scored, and a walk, while Jalen Raether crossed the plate once. Bronson Shinault reached base twice via walks.
Alleghany collected six hits on the afternoon. Rowland and May each recorded doubles, while Cook’s home run accounted for four total bases. May finished with three total bases, Rowland had three, and Brewster added one.
On the mound, Raether turned in a strong performance, working six innings while allowing seven hits and five earned runs. He struck out seven batters and threw 64 strikes among his 110 pitches. Rowland pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief before Cook recorded the final out.
The loss closes the book on a successful season for Alleghany under Coach Kessinger. Friday’s game also marked the final time the team’s senior class took the field together. Many of the seniors have played alongside one another since their youth baseball days as members of the Dirt Devils, building friendships and a brotherhood that extended far beyond the diamond.
The season may have ended, but the bond formed by this group remains. Through wins, losses, championships, and challenges, they represented Alleghany baseball with pride and leave behind a season and legacy worth remembering.
