Purcellville Cannons vs. Staunton Braves – 7/16/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
The Cannons hit the road for a one-day road trip down in Staunton, VA, where the boys took on the Braves for the last time in the regular season. Although we would’ve liked to have walked away with a win, the boys played hard and offensively and were able to put up a good amount of stats to help the team win. The pitching staff wasn’t the sharpest, either, however, the boys also welcomed a couple of new players, who made their debut appearance in tonight’s game. Although losing never feels good by any means, the boys are confident that with all the home games coming up, they will put on a good show prior to playoffs!
Our starting pitcher for the evening was newcomer Sota Inden, (SO; Sussex County Community College), who pitched for 2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 3 walks, and 5 earned runs during his time on the mound. First in relief for tonight was Zach Mizrahi, (SO; Tallahassee Community College), who pitched for 1 inning, giving up 1 hit, 3 walks, and gaining 2 strikeouts, all while not allowing any runs to score. Next out of the bullpen was newcomer Griffin “Fin” Horowicz, (SO; Army West Point University), who pitched for 2.1 innings, giving up 1 hit, 3 walks, and allowing 3 runs to score during his first outing on the mound. Up next was RJ Watanabe, (JR; Coffeyville Community College), who pitched for 0.1 innings, giving up 1 hit, and 1 walk. Up next was our “losing” pitcher for the evening, Andrew Washington, (SR; Georgia Gwinnett College), who pitched for 1.1 innings, giving up 2 walks, and allowing 1 run to score. Our final pitcher for the evening was Luke Lyman, (SO; West Virginia University), who pitched for the final inning of the game, giving up no hits, and 1 walk. The final score of tonight’s game was 9-8.
Even though the boys suffered yet another loss, the offense had quite a few players who “stepped up to the plate”, and delivered in clutch situations where runs were needed. It should come as no surprise to anyone by now, that Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), went 3 for 5 yet again, with 2 RBIs and a homer during last night’s game. Guida’s current batting average sits very nicely at a solid .469, making him the most successful hitter in the Cannons lineup for almost the second year in a row! Justin Acal, (SR; University of Pittsburgh), also had himself a night at the plate going 2 for 5, with another 2 RBIs to help advance the team lead. Brendan Roney, (JR; Florida International University), celebrated his fourth double of the season, as he went 1 for 4 at the plate. Jackson Micheels, (JR; University of Purdue Fort Wayne), also hit a double during tonight’s game, as he went 2 for 5 at the plate, proving his worth as a member of the Cannon’s offense. Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North), also celebrated hitting 2 RBIs on the evening, helping his teammates to the best of his ability at the plate.
Catching for the Cannons defense for tonight was Brendan Roney, who played excellent behind the plate for each of his pitchers. Playing first base for tonight’s game was Bear Horowicz, (SO; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill), playing second base was Justin Acal, at shortstop was Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University), and at third base was Keegan Knuston. Our outfielders for the evening began with Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University), in left field, newcomer Darryl Buggs (2nd), (SR; University of Alabama Birmingham), in center field, and Jackson Micheels in right field. The defense suffered just 1 error throughout the game, proving once again how solid their defense has been throughout the season.
The Cannons will return back to Fireman’s Field on Tuesday, July 18th to take on the Front Royal Cardinals at 7:00 pm. The boys will have 4 home games this week, so if tomorrow’s game doesn’t work with y’all’s busy life, we hope to see you at some other point this week. This upcoming week also happens to be the last week of the regular season for the boys, so we would love to celebrate it with the best fans in the VBL!