Cannons vs. Strasburg Recap By: Lauren Fulton
Last night the Purcellville Cannons took on the Strasburg Express for their first away
game of the season, over at First Bank Park. The Cannons departed Fireman’s Field
with an undefeated record to start off the season and were able to maintain that record
through the evening. Playing away games is always a challenge at the beginning of any
season – the new fans, the new environment, and even so much as the field conditions
have a monumental impact on players’ performance on and off the field. But in true
Purcellville fashion, the Cannons were able to not only win their first away game but
come home with another 9-7 win.
Starting on the mound for the Cannons was right-handed pitcher Austin King, (SO; San
Jacinto College). King pitched a total of 5 innings and only allowed 1 run, keeping the
momentum at an all-time high for the Cannons. Relieving King in the 6th was Gabe
Moorer, (JR; Undecided). After having a good first outing, Moorer ran into a bit of
trouble with the next few batters and ended up giving up 4 runs to put the Express
back in contention for the lead. Relieving Moorer in the 7th, was Jabbari Smith, (JR;
Undecided). He came in to limit the damage, but the Express wasn’t going down
without a fight. He ended up giving up another 2 runs and was relieved by Brennan
Baker, (SO; Tallahassee Community College), who ended up shutting the Express down
and holding them to just 7 runs.
The Cannon’s offense was once again able to put up a number of runs throughout the
duration of the game, with a number of players stepping up in the clutch moments. It
should come as no shock that Ryne Guida, (SR; Florida International University), was
once again one of the biggest contributors to the Cannons offense. Going 3 for 4 at the
plate with a .688 OBP and a .643 batting average, he proves himself a leader by
example through his efforts at the plate. Additionally, Joseph Eichelberger, (JR; Paul D
Camp), hit his 3rd home run in just 2 games and finished the game against the Express
going 3 for 5, keeping his batting average at a solid .667. Bear Horowicz, (SO;
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill), hit his first home run of the season, putting
the Cannons back in contention with the Express.
The Cannons remained tied with the Express 7-7 all the way until the 9th inning, until
Aiden McDonald, (FR; James Madison University), came up clutch with a base hit to
right field to secure the game-winning lead for the Cannons. McDonald finished last
night’s game with a .375 batting average and went 3 for 5 at the plate, making the
most of his opportunity.
The Cannon’s defense remained as solid as ever, playing as a unit for the first time in a
different setting. The Cannons recorded no errors, and each player worked behind
each pitcher, supporting them until the end. Catching for the Cannons was Jose Torres,
(SR; University of Louisiana Lafayette), who played immaculate defense, allowing no
passed balls. The infield for the night was as solid as ever with Bear Horowicz playing first, Keegan Knuston playing second, Caleb Stewart playing shortstop, and Aiden
McDonald playing third base. The outfielders for the night were Ryan Liss, (FR; Babson
College) in left field, Mikey Brinton, (JR; University of Arkansas Forth Smith) in
centerfield, and Joseph Eichelberger in right field.
The Cannons will take on the Woodstock River Bandits back at Fireman’s Field
tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm. We hope to see y’all back on the field to cheer on your
Purcellville Cannons!