Purcellville Cannons vs. New Market Rebels – 7/15/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
Last night the Purcellville Cannons returned back to Fireman’s Field, with nothing but absolute grit to show off for you, the fans. The Cannons won their game against the New Market Rebels, 17-2, making it the second time this season the Cannons have successfully run-ruled that team. The boys put on quite a show as substitutions were made, and players both new and old came forward to showcase their baseball talents all across the field. All in all, last night’s game was a great team effort – it was truly refreshing to once again watch the boys play as though a weight was lifted off of their shoulders. Each player worked efficiently, and genuinely enjoyed the game of baseball once again, making it a game worth staying to watch… even though the rain almost hit us again!
Our starting pitcher for the evening was Jaxson Dalena, (SO; Shippensburg University), who pitched for 4 innings, giving up 2 hits, and 1 walk, all while acquiring 6 strikeouts. Dalena also allowed no runs to score during his time on the mound, keeping him at a solid 2.89 ERA. That makes him one of the most successful pitchers on the Cannons staff, for the 2023 summer season! First in relief for the evening was Isaac Kopalchick, (JR; Elgin Community College), who pitched for 2 innings, giving up 2 hits, and 2 walks, while gaining 3 strikeouts under his belt. Kopalchick gave up the only 2 runs the Rebels scored during the evening but remained calm and composed during his time on the field. Up next out of the bullpen was Max Villamizar, (SO; University of Miami St. Thomas), who pitched for 0.2 innings, giving up 1 hit, 2 walks, and walked away giving up no runs. Our final pitcher for the night was a very special guy within the Cannons organization. Nate Spinks, (SR; Coastal Carolina University), is actually one of our very own interns on the Cannons baseball staff. Spinks attended CCU for 4 years, and has recently graduated – so in an effort to celebrate his accomplishments, as well as say “thank you” for all of the hard work he has put into the summer thus far, he closed out the game with a picture-perfect strikeout to end the ballgame. It was poetic, to say the least.
Our offense for tonight put up some good numbers, ending the evening in just 7 innings, all while having 14 hits! Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith), and Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University) all had 2 clutch hits each on the night, showcasing their ability to not just get on base, but move runners around when needed. Chayce Bryant hit his second grand slam of the year in last night’s game, showcasing his discipline at the plate as an upperclassman! Caskey, Brendan Roney, (SR; Florida International University), Brinton, and Stewart all were able to hit doubles on the evening, showing their speed on the bags!
Our defense tonight complimented the pitching staff very nicely, allowing no errors throughout the duration of the game. Catching for the Cannons was Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), at first base was Bear Horowicz, (SO; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill), playing second was Brayden Caskey, at shortstop was Caleb Stewart, and at third base was Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North). Our outfielders for the evening began with Chayce Bryant in left field, Mikey Brinton in center field, and Brady Drawbaugh in right field. The defense had many substitutions as the game drew on, and each player who entered the game played phenomenally, just as they know how!
The Cannons will hit the road tomorrow as they take on the Staunton Braves, in Staunton, VA. before heading back home to Purcellville for a set of home games next week. Folks, this next week just so happens to be the last week in the regular summer season for the boys – we have 4 home games within the next several days, so we hope to see y’all there to help us celebrate our boys as this summer comes to an end. Our next home game will take place on Tuesday, as the boys take on the Front Royal Cardinals, at 7:00 pm. We hope to see y’all there!