Purcellville Cannons vs. Covington Lumberjacks – 7/25/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
Yesterday, the Purcellville Cannons took on the Covington Lumberjacks in yet another doubleheader, during their second to last game day this season. Covington is roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive away from Purcellville, so this game day meant a lot for the boys. In order to have made playoffs, the boys would have had to have won both games against the Lumberjacks… Although they walked away with one win, the boys failed to secure the two wins needed to make it past Wednesday, July 26th, and head into the playoff series. The boys fought hard, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be for this season. But, in lieu of the one-loss tonight, there were still some great moments during tonight’s matchup.
Game 1:
Our only pitcher for the first game was Jaxson Dalena, (SO; Shippensburg University), who showed everyone in the Valley League exactly what he brings. Not only is he a position player at Shippensburg, but he has repeatedly demonstrated his leadership and capability as a successful pitcher. Dalena has been one of the most reliable arms for the Cannons bullpen this season, and tonight, he celebrated his first complete game, as he led the Cannons to a 2-1 win over the Lumberjacks. Dalena pitched all 7 innings, giving up just 3 hits, and 1 walk, with 1 earned run and 7 strikeouts. With those numbers, the Cannons coaches are eager to see the impact he will bring to the SU bullpen during this upcoming school year.
Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), had yet another great night at the plate, going 2 for 4 with 1 walk to help set the Cannons up nicely on the offensive side. Bear Horowicz, (SO; Samford University), celebrated his first triple of the season, demonstrating his ability to gain multiple bases on his timely hits. Horowicz also scored both RBIs of the game, making him the “clutch” player of the first game for the Cannons.
Our defense for the evening was set up fairly similar to what we’re used to seeing during this point in the season. The boys suffered just one error during this game, keeping the defense as clean as can be. Our catcher for game one was Jose Torres, with Bear Horowicz at first base, Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), at second, Justin Acal, (SR; University of Pittsburgh), at shortstop, and Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North), at third base. Our outfielders for the evening began with Jackson Micheels, (Jr; University of Purdue Fort Wayne), in left field, Daryl Buggs (2nd) (SR; University of Alabama Birmingham), in center field, and Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), in right field.
Game 2:
The final score for the second game was a tough 6-5 loss, in a hard-fought battle between both teams. Our starting pitcher for the evening was Will “Poopy” Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who pitched for 5.2 innings, giving up 11 hits, 1 walk, and allowing 6 runs to score during his time on the mound. Our second and final pitcher for the evening was RJ Watanabe, (JR; Coffeyville Community College), who pitched for the game’s final inning, gaining the last strikeout needed to finish the ballgame.
Jo Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University), went 2 for 4, with 1 walk during this game, making him one elf the more clutch offensive threats for the second game of the evening. Keegan Knuston also made some noise to disrupt the game when he hit a 2-run home run to tie the ballgame up in the third inning. Knuston also went 2 for 3, demonstrating his ability to get the job done when his teammates needed him most.
The defense for the second game was similar to the first, with just a few positions that moved around. Catching for the Cannons was Jack McDonald, (Sr; Wilmington University), at first base was Jackson Micheels, playing second was Brayden Caskey, at shortstop, was Mitsuki Kohno, (JR; Sierra Community College), and once again, at third base was Keegan Knuston. Our outfielders for the second game began with Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith), in left field, Daryl Buggs (2nd) in center field, and finishing off the defense in right field was Jo Eichelberger.
The Cannons will finish off the 2023 season tomorrow back home at Fireman’s Field, as they take on the Charlottesville TomSox in a doubleheader, one last time. You know what to do, Cannons fans. Come show your support with all your friends and family – we can’t wait to celebrate with you one last time!