Tonight, the Cannons faced the Culpeper Cavaliers in their first double header of the season. Unfortunately, due to the harsh forecasts we have seen so far this summer, the Cannons will have quite a few double-header game days coming up, but the boys are prepared for the challenge. After 2 lightning delays, and questionable weather throughout the whole day, the boys eventually lost both games in the double-header matchup, the first game’s final score being 4-6, and the second game ending in a 2-6 Cavaliers win. Both games lasted 7 innings due to the harsh weather conditions as well as the VBL’s concern regarding each athlete’s physical health, so for the remainder of the season, the boys will be playing 7 inning double headers, in an effort to keep their bodies as fresh as possible heading into their upcoming fall seasons.
First Game Recap:
Our pitching staff for the first game started with Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University) on the mound. He pitched for 2 innings, and allowed 2 hits, and 1 walk, with 2 runs scored during his outing. First in relief for the evening was Jaxson Dalena, (SO; Shippensburg University), who pitched for 4 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, and allowing 2 earned runs to score, while 4 total runs scored during his time on the mound. Following him out of the bullpen was Isaac Kopalchick, (JR; Elgin Community College), who pitched for 0.1 innings, allowing no runs to score with 2 walks and 1 strikeout. Our final pitcher for the first game was Will “Poopy” Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who pitched for 0.2 innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and no runs scored.
The Cannons offense for the first game regained some confidence at the plate, with hitters making adjustments when needed, and scoring runs until the very end of the game. Joseph Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University), Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University), Brenden Roney, (JR; Florida International University), and Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), were the four players tonight who each got a hit on the evening, with Tristan McAlister, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), Brady Drawbaugh, and Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), all scoring RBI’s on the evening, with Caskey “leading the charge” with 2 of the 4 runs scored for the night.
The defense had 2 errors on the evening, which the Cavaliers took advantage of periodically throughout the evening. Our starting catcher for the Cannons this evening was Brendan Roney, who caught up until the later innings, when Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), went in for relief. Playing first base was Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), playing second base was Tristan McAlister, playing short stop was Brayden Caskey, and finishing off the infield at third base was Bear Horowicz. Our outfielders for the night started with Joseph Eichelberger in left field, Brady Drawbaugh in center field, and Jackson Micheels, (JR; University of Purdue Fort Wayne) in right field.
Second Game Recap:
Our starting pitcher for the second game was Mo Rodriguez, (SR; Rice University), who pitched for 3 innings, giving up 5 hits, and 3 walks, but gained 3 strikeouts. There were 3 earned runs that were scored, although 5 total runs were scored during his time on the mound. Our first relief pitcher was Keegan Zinn, (FR; undecided), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up just 1 hit, and gaining 2 strikeouts, while allowing no runs to score. Our next pitcher for the evening was Noah Ingle, (JR; North Greenville University), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 2 hits and 1 earned run. Our final pitcher for tonight was Andrew Washington, (SR; Georgia Gwinnett College), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 1 walk and 2 strikeouts to finish off the Cavalier offense.
The defense for the second game of this double header allowed 4 errors this game, which unfortunately didn’t help contribute any help to the offense. Catching for the Cannons was Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), playing first base was Bear Horowicz, (SO; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill), playing second base was Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University), at shortstop was Justin Acal, (SR; University of Pittsburgh), and finishing off the defense at third base was Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North). Our outfielders for the evening began with Joseph Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University) in left field, Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith) in center field, and Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University) in left field.
Our offense for the second game didn’t do much, however, Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), made his name known against the Cavalier’s pitching staff during the second game. Guida went 3 for 3, scoring both 2 runs during the game.
Even though the boys aren’t walking away with a win from this double-header series, they played better games together than they had in a long time. That’s really all we can ask from this game – as individual members of a team, each player has a job to do. No one said it would be easy, but it will always be worth it in the end. Through each player working on his own areas of improvement, the Cannons will return back to playing like the incredible athletes they are.
The Cannons will now enjoy a couple of days off around the holiday before hitting the road again on Thursday and heading down to Charlottesville to play the TomSox at 7:00 pm. As always, we hope to see y’all back in the stands when we have our next home game on July 8th, but until then, we will y’all the best Fourth of July. Stay safe, have fun, and we’ll see you soon!