Cannons vs. Staunton Recap By: Lauren Fulton
Last night the Purcellville Cannons took on the Staunton Braves here at Fireman’s Field
after a day filled with uncertainty about whether or not the game would even be played.
The boys experiences weather delays, bus malfunctions, and the usual craziness of
college baseball all leading up until game time, but that didn’t stop the fans from
having a great time. Prior to the game, Cannons fans were able to get to know a few of
the players better through pre-game interviews, with questions ranging from, “What is
your favorite thing about being a Cannon”, to, “Who would you say is the funniest
Cannon this season?” Here at Fireman’s Field, we like to have a good time during
home game days, and we hope y’all enjoy them as much as we do – especially when
your Purcellville Cannons walk away with yet another win under their belts.
The starting pitcher for the Cannons tonight was none other than Aiden Adams, (SO;
San Jacinto College North), who successfully pitched a total of 4 innings, allowing 3
hits, and just 1 run to score. First in relief for the night was Keegan Zinn, who had just
recently joined the Cannons for the remainder of the summer. Keegan will not be
attending college this upcoming semester, due to his high chances of being drafted
this summer. Zinn pitched a total of 2.1 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 run to score, and
threw a consistent 93-96 mph. Up next out of the bullpen was the fan-favorite Will
“Poopy” Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who threw 1.2 innings, allowing 2
hits, and no runs to score, successfully securing the “win” for tonight’s game. And
finally, our “save” pitcher for the evening was Isaac Kopalchick, (SO; Elgin Community
College), who gave up no hits and allowed just 1 run to score. It was a collective effort
from the bullpen tonight, but nonetheless, the Cannon’s pitching staff showed the fans
and themselves that they are able to perform at a high level under a high-stress
environment.
In all honesty, the offense tonight wasn’t where it typically is with this team… and that’s
ok! Hitting is an incredibly difficult thing to do without experiencing any type of failure,
and unfortunately, that’s just a part of the game. The Cannons had just 2 hits on the
evening, but they were hits that won the game for us. Jose Torres, (SR; University of
Louisiana Lafayette), came up clutch with a double that scored Keegan Knuston, (SO;
San Jacinto College North), during the middle of the game, breaking up the “0’s” streak
on the scoreboard. Additionally, Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University),
complimented his efforts by hitting yet another double, putting the Cannons in a
position to take the lead, and making him the offensive Purcellville Eats player of the
game.
On the field tonight for the Cannons defensively was our catcher, Jose Torres who
allowed no passed balls for the entirety of the game. Playing first was Bear Horowicz,
(SO; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill), playing second was Keegan Knuston,
playing shortstop was Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University), and finishing off
the infield was Aiden McDonald, (FR; James Madison University). Playing outfield for the evening was Chance Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University), in left field, Mikey
Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith), in centerfield, and Joseph
Eichelberger, (JR; Paul D Camp), in right field. The defense allowed just 2 errors on the
evening, keeping the pitchers in a comfortable enough position to get the job done on
the mound.
The Cannons will take on the Charlottesville TomSox tomorrow night at 7:00 pm in
Charlottesville but will return back to Fireman’s Field on Sunday evening, for a night full
of competition against the Covington Lumberjacks at 7:00 pm. We hope to see y’all
there!