Purcellville Cannons vs. Winchester Royals – 7/25/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
After a wholesome night at Fireman’s Field this past Sunday, the boys packed their bags and headed down to Winchester to finish a 4-inning game against the Royals. Previously this season, the boys were scheduled to take on the Royals in a doubleheader, which unfortunately couldn’t happen due to a rain interference in the second game. As much as we would’ve liked to have walked away with a win, the boys lost 4-1 against the Royals, who are seated very nicely in the VBL standings as we head into playoffs.
Our pitchers for this short 4-inning game began with Mac Yarbrough, (SO; Norfolk State University), who pitched for 1.2 innings, giving up 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 earned runs. Shortly after his only inning pitched, Seth Sumner, (JR; Cal State Fullerton), went in and pitched for 3.2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 4 walks, and 2 more earned runs. Our final pitcher for today’s matchup against the Royals was none other than Justin Acal, (SR; University of Pittsburgh), who pitched for the remainder of the last inning, giving up just 1 hit before the ballgame was finished.
The offense wasn’t at its best ability during tonight’s outing. It’s hard when weather affects games in ways no one can anticipate, and unfortunately, it took its toll on the Cannon’s offense for tonight. The boys only had 4 hits on the evening, with Jo Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University), scoring the only RBI recorded on the evening. Bear Horowicz, (SO; Samford University), went 2 for 3 on the evening, with the only double of the night! Jaxson Dalena, (SO; Shippensburg University), and Jo Eichelberger were the only other two players in the lineup who were able to manufacture hits throughout the evening.
The defense for the evening was a bit eclectic, seeing as how the game was split between two different days about 2 weeks apart, but as always, it was a team effort. The boys only had 1 error recorded during the game, and were able to keep the Royals offense to bay for the majority of the evening. Our first catcher for the evening was Brendan Roney, (JR; Florida International University), but was relieved on the second game day by Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette). At first base was Bear Horowicz, playing second base was Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University), at short stop first was Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University), who was then relieved by Mitsuki Kohno, (JR; Sierra Junior College), and at third base was Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North), and Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith). Our outfielders for the game against Winchester began with Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University), in left field, with Jo Eichelberger relieving him for a portion of the night, Mikey Brinton and Jo Eichelberger both in center field at some point, and Jaxson Dalena in right field to finish the ball game.
The boys will hit the road again tomorrow this time to Covington, to take on the Lumberjacks in a doubleheader. As we all know, Covington isn’t exactly an easy or short drive away, so join us in cheering them on via social media as they can hopefully secure a couple of much-needed wins before playoffs! Thank y’all again for all of your continued support – it doesn’t go unnoticed.