Purcellville Cannons vs. Waynesboro Generals Game Recap: 7/2/2023
The Cannons returned back to Fireman’s Field tonight to take on the Waynesboro Generals for the third time this season. After suffering yet another rained-out game against Woodstock yesterday, the boys were eager to be back at Fireman’s Field playing in front of the best fans in the Valley League. After an unfortunate start to the game, the Cannons eventually lost to the Generals 16-9.
I touched on this subject earlier this season, but I feel like now is an appropriate time as ever to revisit the topic. Adversity is an interesting thing – it has the ability to bring out both the best and the worst in athletes almost always simultaneously. It’s impossible to avoid and even harder to come back from after being “stuck in a rut” for so long. But, as always, this game remains consistent in the fact that there will always be ups and downs. Sometimes seasons don’t always go as planned, but it doesn’t mean the tempo won’t change at any given time. With a new day comes new opportunities, and it’s up to each athlete to simply decide. They have to decide whether or not they’re going to let these performances define their summer ball careers, or if they are going to make the changes necessary and play as a team. The good news is, there’s still a good amount of time left in the season, so there’s plenty of time to switch things around and end the season on a high note heading into playoffs!
Our starting pitcher for the evening was Daniel Quintana, (FR; James Madison University), who threw for 1.2 innings and gave up 3 hits, 3 walks, and 4 earned runs. First in relief was the “losing” pitcher Zach Mizrahi, (SO; Tallahassee Community College), who pitched for 0.2 innings, giving up 3 hits, 2 walks, and 6 earned runs during his time on the mound. Up next was Austin King, (SO; San Jacinto College North) who pitched for 2.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, and 1 more earned run. Our next pitcher was Max Villamizar, (SO; University of Miami St. Thomas), who pitched for 0.1 innings, allowing no hits during his time on the mound, but allowed 2 walks and 3 earned runs to score. Our next pitcher was newcomer RJ Watanabe, (JR; Coffeyville Community College), who pitched for 0.2 innings, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk on the evening, allowing no runs to score during his outing. Our next pitcher was Will Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 3 hits, but allowing no runs to score during his time on the mound. Our final pitcher for the evening was Jacob Smith, (SO; University of Pacific), who pitched for 2 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 earned runs to score, while also gaining 5 clutch strikeouts for the Cannons.
The offense for the evening was relatively inconsistent but gained a spark of aggressiveness toward the end of the game. The offensive player of the evening was unanimously voted in favor of Jackson Micheels, (SO; University of Purdue Fort Wayne), who went 3 for 5 with 3 hits and 2 walks on the evening. Micheels was a recent addition to the Cannons roster, and for his debut, earned exceptional honors for his performance at the plate, and on the field. Newcomer Brendan Caskey also earned his first hit as a Cannon going 1 for 4 at the plate, and helping his teammates out. Tristan McAlister also went 1 for 2 on the evening after relieving Justin Acal earlier on in the game at second base, which greatly helped his team by scoring an RBI in the process. Jaxson Dalena also had 2 RBI’s on the evening out of his 3 at-bats, demonstrating his athleticism as a 2 way player on the Cannons staff. Other Cannons with RBI’s on the evening include Keegan Knuston, Joseph Eichelberger, and Chayce Bryant.
Our defense for the night allowed just 1 error and performed to the best of their ability for the duration of the game. Catching for the night was Brendan Roney, (JR; Florida International University), playing first base was Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), playing second base was Justin Acal, (University of Pittsburgh), playing shortstop was Brayden Cask, (JR; Arkansas State University), and finishing the infield is Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North). Our outfielders for the evening started with Joseph Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University) in left field, Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith), and finishing off the defense was newcomer Jackson Micheels, (JR; University of Purdue Fort Wayne).
The Cannons will hit the road again tomorrow for their first double header of the season, against the Culpeper Cavaliers at Culpeper County High School. The first game will take place at 4:30, and the second will take place right after at 7:00 pm. The Cannons will then enjoy a couple of days off to celebrate the holiday break, then will be back on the road, before returning to Fireman’s Field on July 8th to take on the Staunton Braves at 7:00 pm sharp. We look forward to seeing y’all back at the ballpark, and we wish you all a very happy and safe holiday break.