The Purcellville Cannons (8-14) hosted the New Market Rebels (10-12) on Friday at Fireman’s Field. After scoring six runs in the first two innings, the Cannons never gave up the lead to win 8-5. Travis Keys (Aquinas) earned the start on the mound after having his nod pushed back one day due to yesterday’s rainout. He pitched four innings, giving up six hits, five runs, two walks while striking out two. Blaze Pontes (Hawai’i) took over from there and earned the win. Pontes went 2.2 innings, giving up no hits, no runs, walked three and struck out four. Starting things off quickly with Nick Di Vietro (La Salle) doubled to lead off the bottom of the first, and was then followed up by Andrew Kasiski (Hampden Sydney) reached on an error to score Di Vietro. Jose Aquino (San Jacinto CC) then roped a double to score Kasiski, with Aquino later scoring to take a 3-1 lead. Keeping the bats going in the second inning, Morgan Hyde (Coastal Carolina) doubled to lead things off. Di Vietro followed with a base hit, and Hyde ended up scoring. After Aquino reached, Walt Richardson (Coastal Carolina) got his first hit of the summer as a 2-RBI double and to take a 6-2 lead. Jakob Mattos (Coastal Carolina) came into the game in a bases loaded situation with two outs, his second such situation in as many appearances. Facing New Market’s Blake Ebo (Kansas), who hit a home run earlier in the game, he was able to force him to pop out to end the inning. Mattos earned the save in 2.1 innings without giving up a hit, walk, or run and striking out three to finish the 8-5 win. The Purcellville Cannons play two straight against the Winchester Royals, on the road Saturday and back at Fireman’s Field on Monday for a 7:00 PM first pitch. Written by Joe Skinner, Cannons Broadcast and Media Relations Intern