Purcellville Cannons vs. Front Royal Cardinals – 7/18/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
Tonight, the Cannons took on the Front Royal Cardinals here at Fireman’s Field, for their last regular season matchup in the 2023 season. Both the Cardinals and the Cannons have had their respective ups and downs this summer, but both teams have persevered to make these last few games count. Unfortunately for the Cannons, they suffered a 16-10 loss against the Cardinals, in a hard-fought game, as they battled for spots in the playoffs.
Our starting pitcher for the evening was Mo Rodriguez, (SR; Rice University), who pitched for 2 innings, giving up 6 hits, 2 walks, and 6 earned runs during his time on the mound. It wasn’t his best outing, but there was plenty to be learned from his performance, and it certainly doesn’t define his overall performance. Up next out of the bullpen was Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 1 hit, 4 walks, and 3 earned runs to the Cardinals. Following him for the next inning was Jabbari Smith, (SR; undecided), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 4 hits, 1 walk, and 4 additional earned runs. Our next pitcher was Nate Spinks, (SR; Coastal Carolina University), who pitched for 2.2 innings, giving up just 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 earned runs during his time on the mound. Our final pitcher for the evening was Poopy Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who pitched for the final 2.1 innings, giving up 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 earned run.
The Cannons were able to put up 10 runs with 14 hits on the evening, making sure everyone in the Valley League knows just how well this offense truly is. Jackson Micheels, (JR; University of Purdue Fort Wayne), went 3 for 5 on the evening, with 1 double and 1 RBI, making him the Purcellville Eats player of the game for tonights matchup. Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), and Jo Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University), all had 2 hits during tonight’s game, with both Caskey, Guida, and Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith), hitting doubles to move around various baserunners. Eichelberger had 3 RBIs as well during tonight’s game, making him one of the most dominant hitters in the lineup against the Cardinals. The Cannons worked exceptionally well together to produce 10 runs, it didn’t play out as they had expected it to, but sometimes that happens with baseball.
Our defense for the evening made no errors and successfully helped work behind their pitching staff who “wasn’t as sharp” as they needed to be. Our starting catcher for the evening was Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), at first base was Ryne Guida, playing second base was Brayden Caskey, playing shortstop was Tristan McAlister, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), and rounding off the infield at third base was none other than Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North). Our outfielders for the evening were Mikey Brinton in left field, Daryl Buggs 2nd, (SR; University of Alabama Birmingham), in center field, and Jo Eichelberger in right field.
The Cannons are used to bouncing back after minor setbacks such as tonight’s game, so as they head into tomorrow’s game against the Waynesboro Generals, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a different result. The boys will be back at Fireman’s Field tomorrow to take on the Generals at 7:00 pm sharp – making it a back-to-back home game series. You know what to do, Cannons fans! Make sure to bring your friends and family, and come show your support for your Purcellville Cannons – we can’t wait to see you!