The Shadow
WINCHESTER, Va. (VR) – The Covington Lumberjacks were tied after four innings but could not keep pace with a late offensive push from the Royals, falling 10-4 Thursday night. The loss drops Covington to 1-5 on the season heading into Friday night’s home matchup against Staunton at Casey Field.
The Royals struck first with a run in the opening inning and added another in the second to build a 2-0 advantage. Covington responded in the third when Mason Reid drove in a run, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The Lumberjacks evened the score in the fourth inning and remained locked in a competitive game through the middle innings. Both teams scored a run in the fifth and sixth innings, leaving the contest within reach entering the late stages.
The Royals took control in the seventh inning, plating two runs to move back in front. They continued to add pressure at the plate over the final innings while limiting Covington’s offense, eventually pulling away for the 10-4 victory.
Covington finished with seven hits on the night. George Pardo Jr. and Bryant Zayas provided much of the offensive spark. Pardo Jr. went 1-for-2 with a double, two runs scored and two walks, while Zayas finished 1-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and a walk.
Luis Acosta added a double and RBI in a 1-for-4 performance. Mason Reid finished with a hit, RBI and walk, while Darrius Brown drove in a run and collected a hit. Cross Yarborough and Jake Ambrosio also recorded hits for the Lumberjacks.
Covington’s three extra-base hits came from Acosta, Pardo Jr. and Zayas.
On the mound, Lucas Rodriguez worked the first four innings, allowing six runs on six hits while striking out four. Aniel Berbes threw one inning in relief, surrendering two runs on two hits. Deundre Jones followed with an inning of work, allowing two runs while recording a strikeout.
Daniel Perruc and Enzo Gurgel closed out the game for the Lumberjacks. Perruc struck out two during a scoreless inning, and Gurgel added two strikeouts while allowing one hit over his inning of work.
The Royals finished with 13 hits compared to seven for Covington. The Lumberjacks committed two errors while the Royals were charged with one.
Despite the loss, Covington continued to receive production from the top and middle of the lineup, with Pardo Jr., Zayas, Acosta, Reid and Brown accounting for five of the club’s seven hits and all three RBIs.
