Purcellville Cannons vs. Strasburg Express – (7/11/2023) – By: Lauren Fulton
You’ve heard it here first folks, the Cannons have officially begun a winning streak, with their win last night against the Strasburg Express 3-0. The boys returned to Fireman’s Field with a spark ready to “set the city on fire”. The Cannons played together – with everyone showing the best of their ability, and pushing their physical abilities to new limits. Strasburg has been known to be one of the main powerhouses within the Valley Baseball League, so walking away with a win was crucial for the rest of the regular season.
Our starting pitcher for the evening was Mo Rodriguez, (SR; Rice University), who absolutely dominated on the mound for 6 out of the 9 innings in last night’s game. Rodriguez pitched seamlessly, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks, with a grand total of 5 strikeouts on the evening. During his time on the mound, Rodriguez was also able to keep his velocity high throughout the evening, maintaining his faster speeds from anywhere between 87-94 mph. First in relief for the evening was Isaac Kopalchick, (SO; Elgin Community College), who pitched for 1.2 innings, giving up 2 walks and gaining 3 strikeouts. Kopalchick also allowed no runs to score through the game, making the adjustments necessary from previous games, and showcasing his talent. Kopalchick also topped out at 93 mph last night, almost breaking his previously set 94mph personal record. Next out of the bullpen was Will “Poopy” Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), who pitched for 0.1 innings, allowing no hits, no walks, and no runs scored. In other words, Poopy “shoved” during his time on the mound. Our final pitcher for the evening was fan-favorite, Luke Lyman, (SO; West Virginia University), who pitched for 1 inning, allowing no hits, no walks, and shutting it down with 3 solid strikeouts. The bullpen was laser-focused last night and proved just how solid the team really is when they play as a unit.
The offensive play to note for the game was hands down Caleb Stewart’s, (JR; Georgia State University), who celebrated his first home run as a Cannon and helped advance the boy’s lead over the Express. Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), went 2 for 5 on the evening, gaining yet another RBI for the Cannons, just moments before Stewart’s home run. Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), also went 2 for 4 on the evening, with the last run scored on the evening, securing some insurance for the boys as the pitching staff handled the rest of the business. The Cannons offense ended the game with 10 hits and 4 walks, showcasing their innate ability to get timely hits and be selective at the plate to gain more baserunners.
Our defense for the evening remained fairly efficient the whole game, with just 1 error allowed. Catching for the Cannons was Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), playing first base was Jackson Micheels, (Jr; University of Purdue Fort Wayne), playing second base was Brayden Caskey, at shortstop was Caleb Stewart, and finishing off the infield was Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North). Our outfielders for the evening began with Jo Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University) in left field, Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith) in centerfield, and Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University), in right field. All in all, the boys have been playing fairly well defensively throughout the season, so hopefully they can continue that momentum leading into playoffs!
What can I say, ladies and gentlemen – it’s a good day to be a Cannons fan! The body will hit the road for a day and take on the Harrisonburg Turks in their first doubleheader of the week, before promptly returning back to Fireman’s Field on Wednesday to take on the Woodstock River Bandits in yet another doubleheader. The first game will begin at 4:30 pm, and the second will begin at 7:00 pm. It’s going to be a hot one, Cannons fans, so be sure to bring your kids for some fun in-between-inning water balloon activities, with a side of your Purcellville Cannons baseball!