Purcellville Cannons vs. Woodstock River Bandits – 7/12/2023 – By: Lauren Fulton
The Cannons returned back to Fireman’s Field for their second doubleheader of the week against the Woodstock River Bandits. After facing the Harrisonburg Turks last night, the boys were ready to be back at home playing in front of the best fans in the Valley League, and we were so happy to see so many of y’all coming out to support the guys! The boys ended up splitting the series with the River Bandits, losing the first game, but winning the second game. I have to say, the second game was probably the best game the boys have played all season. The way each player worked together seamlessly in each aspect of the game, was a performance worth writing about. The offense attacked at the plate, and guys up and down the lineup made the sacrifices necessary in order to scratch across much-needed runs during the entire game. The defense made plays left and right, showcasing the athleticism of each player, and their ability to get the job done for their pitchers. The pitchers also performed well, doing what needed to be done, and threw the strikes necessary to keep the Cannons in contention with the River Bandits.
Game 1:
Our starting pitcher for the first game was Noah Ingle, (JR; North Greenville University), who pitched for 2 innings, giving up 3 hits, 2 walks, and allowing 3 runs to score. Ingle was first relieved by RJ Watanabe, (JR; Coffeyville Community College), who pitched or 0.1 innings, giving up 1 hit, 3 walks, and 2 allowed 2 more runs to score during his short time on the mound. Fan favorite Will “Poopy” Ricketts, (JR; Frostburg State University), was our final pitcher for the evening. Ricketts threw for 3.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks, and allowed 4 earned runs. Ricketts, also had 4 clutch strikeouts for the evening, helping his team to the best of his ability stay in contention for a win.
The bats were hot for the Cannons tonight, with at-bats to recognize all across the lineup. Keegan Knuston, (SO; San Jacinto College North), celebrated his first home run of the season, tallying up 3 RBIs for the first game of the night. Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), also had an incredible night at the plate, going 3 for 4 with 1 RBI on the night. Guida’s batting average is currently sitting at an all time high, at a solid .455, making him the most successful hitter on the Cannons roster this season so far. Jose Torres, (SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), also showcased his discipline at the plate, drawing 3 walks during 4 of his at-bats, getting on base every single time during the first game.
Our defense for the first game started with Jose Torres as our catcher, Ryne Guida at first base, Brayden Caskey, (JR; Arkansas State University) at second, Justin Acal, (SR; University of Pittsburgh) at shortstop, and Keegan Knuston at third base. Our outfielders for the evening began with Jackson Micheels, (JR; University of Purdue Fort Wayne) in left field, Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Fort Smith) in center field, and Brady Drawbaugh, (SR; Mt. St. Mary’s University) in right field. The defense allowed just 2 errors during the first game, keeping the score relatively close during the first outing.
The boys ended up losing the first game 9-8, but were able to bounce back from their areas of improvement early on and secure a much-needed win for the second game of the day.
Game 2:
The starting pitcher for the second game was Jabari Smit, (SR; undecided), who pitched for 3.2 innings, allowing just 3 hits, 3 walks, and 3 earned runs during his time on the mound. Smith has only been the starting pitcher once before this season, so it was a good change of pace seeing him perform well in a role he wasn’t typically used to this season. First in relief for Smith was Isaac Kopalchick, (SO; Elgin Community College), who pitched for 0.1 innings, giving up 2 walks, before he was promptly relived by Chayce Bryant, (SR; Southeastern University). Bryant pitched for 3.2 innings, giving up 1 hit, and 5 walks. Bryant allowed just 1 earned run to score during his time on the mound and ended the night with another 3 strikeouts under his belt. The defense worked behind him seamlessly during his time on the mound, which greatly helped his freedom to work with different pitches and throw a bit more comfortably on the mound. Our final “winning” pitcher for the evening was Jose Torres, who pitched for 1.1 innings, giving up just 2 hits, and 1 walk, and allowed 2 earned runs to pass during his time on the mound. Torres, a catcher for the Ragin’ Cajuns, showcased his incredible athleticism to not only get the job done behind the plate, or at the plate, but on the mound as well. Torres has been a player the Cannons staff can rely on throughout the summer, no matter what the job needed was – the coaches were well pleased with his performance throughout the night.
The offense for the second game also performed very well, with big time performances from many more players all up and down the lineup. Caleb Stewart, (JR; Georgia State University), celebrated his second home run as a Cannon this evening, ending the game with 2 RBIs, and another “big time” performance. Brady Drawbaugh also had a great night at the plate, going 2 for 5 with 1 RBI, and always putting the ball in play. Jose Torres went 2 for 2, as one of the relief pitchers for the evening, once again pulling through as one of the most dependable players on the Cannons roster. Brendan Roney,(JR; Florida International University), went 2 for 4 at the plate and actually ended up walking the game off in a clutch base hit situation to end the game in a Cannons win.
The defense for the second game had many substitutions throughout the evening, but played together incredibly well – regardless of the changes made. The Cannons had no errors in the second game, which greatly helped the offense and pitching staff work together to generate runs. Catching for the Cannons was Brendan Roney, playing first base was Ryne Guida, playing second base was Brayden Caskey, at shortstop was Caleb Stewart, and rounding off the infield was Keegan Knuston. The outfielders for the evening began with Jo Eichelberger, (JR; Jackson State University) in left field, Brady Drawbaugh in center field, and Bear Horowicz, (SO; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill) in right field.
Even though the Cannons weren’t able to sweep the series against the Woodstock River Bandits, the chemistry between each of the teammates was truly a sight to be seen. Each player demonstrated not just effectively working on his own performance, but work for the betterment of the team. It was another good night to be a Cannons fan, and I’m happy to report that the boys will be back in town on Friday, July 14th, for yet another doubleheader against the Charlottesville TomSox. The first game will begin at 4:00 pm, and the second will begin at 7:00 pm. We hope to see the stands packed with the best fans in the Valley League this weekend, so bring your friends and meet us down at Fireman’s Field, here in the heart of Purcellville!