All Things Valley League

Haymarket Moves to Semifinals

#1 Haymarket 8, #8 New Market 3: Haymarket wins series, 2-0

Led by Jimmy Dowdell's 2-run double in the 4th and Greg Nappo's 11 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings, the Haymarket Senators eliminated the New Market Rebels last night in an 8-3 win at Rebel Field.

Nappo continued his incredible strikeout pace, as he has now struck out 63 batters in 43 1/3 innings pitched. The Nator lineup banged out 9 hits and walked 5 times as well. Rudy Flores and Yoandy Barroso each had two hits for the Nators, while Matt Doyle cleaned up the last 2 2/3 innings on the hill, allowing only 1 hit. 

The Rebels were led at the plate by Francisco Ramirez, who went 2-3, and Dan Schafferman, who homered in the 3rd. 

Haymarket will now await the winners of the other three series (all three rained out last night). The winning teams will be reseeded before the semifinals.

The "day" award clearly needs to go to the New Market broadcasters- so, we have a "Broadcaster of the Day" award to give to Austin Gisriel, Charlie Dodge, Jay Lively, and Noah Dodge. This game started at 9:20, and these guys hung in there to the bitter end. They shared several trivia questions and listener email throughout the game.

Oh- and happy anniversary, Austin!

Tonight's Games

Front Royal vs Waynesboro

Winchester vs Harrisonburg (I'll be at this one)

Luray vs Covington

Ding! Game one!

All four games were played last night. Three higher seeds held serve, while one (to which I am most certainly NOT surprised) did not. Let's take a look:

#1 Haymarket 6, #8 New Market 2: Haymarket leads series, 1-0

The Senators used a four-run 2nd inning to take the early lead over the 8th seeded Rebels. The bottom of the lineup did the damage, with Scott Ferrara singling home a run, Jimmy Vahalik doubling home two, and Eric Stamets bringing home the 4th run on a groundout.

That was all the 'Nators needed for Matt Benedict, who won his 7th game with the 7-inning, 1-run performance. Brian Edelen received the loss for New Market.

The two teams will play game two tonight in New Market at 7:30. The Senators will start Greg Nappo; the Rebels' starter has not been identified.

#2 Luray 3, #7 Covington 1: Luray leads series, 1-0

Second-seeded Luray also took an early lead in the quarterfinals, riding the right arm of Tucker Jensen to a game one win.

Jensen gave up 1 run in 7 solid innings, along with only 5 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 8 to earn his 5th win. Three relievers recorded the last six outs.

The Wranglers scored twice in the second inning- one run came in on a Michael Broad single, and the second run scored on an error. Joel Capote added an insurance run in the 8th with a solo home run.

The 'Jacks' Benny Mejia was saddled with the loss, despite throwing quite well, allowing only 2 earned runs and 9 baserunners in 8 innings, and recording 9 strikeouts.

The teams will meet in game two tonight in Covington. Game time is 7:30.

#6 Harrisonburg 8, #3 Winchester 4: Harrisonburg leads series, 1-0

Even though he didn't dominate to the same level as other times this year, Drew Granier did enough to lead the Turks to a game one victory in Winchester. Granier gave up 9 hits and 4 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings, but still struck out 13 to earn his 6th win. The Winchester announcer was audibly relieved (no pun intended) when Drew was removed from the game for Stephen Styck (who pitched 1 2/3 innings for the save).

On the offensive side, the Turks hammered five home runs: two by Shaun Cooper, and one each by Connor Winn, Joe Huber, and Scott Dalrymple. The Royals' Cody Gaskill hit two of his own in a losing effort. 

The two teams will meet tonight in Harrisonburg for game two. Game time is 7:30.

#4 Front Royal 6, #5 Waynesboro 2: Front Royal leads series, 1-0

Down 2-1, the Front Royal Cardinals used a four-spot in the 6th inning to take an early series lead over the Waynesboro Generals. 

The big blow in the inning was a three-run Sean Jamieson home run off General starter Jarryd Summers, who fell to 2-2 with the loss. Front Royal's Blake Ford earned the win, evening his record to 3-3, with a 6 2/3 innings, 2 earned run performance.

The two squads meet again tonight, this time in Waynesboro, for game two. Game time is 7:00.

(To see Chris Graham's story on the game, click here.)

Home Fog Advantage

My wife and I got a chance to travel down to Rockbridge to see the two hottest teams in the Valley square off last night- the first time we had attended a game there.

I think we need to start this one where the game ended. Two outs, top of the ninth, Jason Coker on second, Jordan Owen on first, Rockbridge leading 3-2, Ryan Yerina on the mound. Kevin Brown, who had already doubled twice in the game, ripped a line drive towards right field. The ball seemed destined for the gap- could Owen score from first? Second baseman William Smalls put an end to that speculation when he made an incredible leaping grab of the line dive- at the apex of his leap.

We had the perfect vantage point for the play- the line drive was heading away from us, and we thought there was no way the young man would make the catch. Lo and behold, the Rockbridge Rapids had won their fifth game in a row, while ending the Rebels' own winning streak.

What started as a ragged game (the Rapids committed four errors, all in the first three innings), ended as more of a pitcher's duel, as the Rapids pitchers (AJ Holland, Marcus Broadwater, and Yerina)did not allow an earned run on the night. Holland received the win, while Yerina earned the white-knuckle save. The Rebels' Blaine Sims was saddled with the loss, after allowing a go-ahead two-run single to Andrew Siano in the 5th. 

What is clear is that something is happening for the Rapids. There were numerous opportunities for the team to give up and give in, but they held firm. We may be in for a fascinating last quarter of the season- it's very possible that this team may make the playoffs.

Besides the game, which was good enough, we had a great time in Lexington. It's safe to say that, even though they still languish in last place (for now), the Rapids are doing things the right way. A good-sized crowd attended, even though a cloudburst had made the park wet and humid. The fog rolling in during the 7th inning was a sight to behold- I would pretend to know why that happens, but though the marvel was explained to me, I have no idea. Something to do with the dew. It didn't stop play, and it looked like the outfielders could still see well enough (we could see them, anyway). It looked like the post-game fireworks had gone off a bit early, leaving the smoke behind.

I was able to join broadcaster Jeremy Franklin (who does a great job, by the way) for a few innings, and meet a bunch of really nice folks who help run the team, from the owners all the way down to the intern. We sat and talked baseball with the accomplished journalist Doug Chase. The trivia questions flowed, mostly one way, and we did our best to answer (who broke his leg pitching? How many hits are possible in one inning without scoring? Who is Jaime Moyer's father-in-law?). (For full disclosure: Doug came up with the title of this piece.)

Thanks to all that made our visit such a special one!

Harrisonburg Upends Luray, 3-2

Of course, I think baseball is a beautiful game. (Why else would I spend this much time writing about it?) But, it's also possible to go to dozens of games without seeing anything terribly remarkable.

Tonight, the game was remarkable. It wasn't always beautiful (there was a bad error), but it was certainly worth discussing. (And I love good pitching.)

So here goes: I drove over to Luray to see Drew Granier face Tucker Jensen. I expected a pitcher's duel, and that's what I got. Granier got the better end of the matchup, throwing a complete game, while allowing only 5 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 1 walk, and striking out 13 batters to run his record to 4-0. He recorded 6 of his last 12 outs by strikeout. He seemed to be throwing just as hard at the end of the game as he was in the beginning, but I have no numbers to back up that observation.

Jensen threw 5 innings, and allowed 7 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and struck out 4.

The scoring: Luray scored both of their runs in the 2nd inning. With one out, Michael Broad walked, but was erased by a fielder's choice, leaving Ryan Lashley on 1st base with 2 outs. Jeff Jefferson then lashed a single to right, which bounced past rightfielder Bobby Brown, allowing both runners to move up a base. Brian DeLucia then singled both runners home.

Harrisonburg answered back with a single run in the 4th, when Patrick Savage drilled a Jensen offering over the left field fence. The Turks tied the game in the 6th against reliever Mike Caldwell, when Savage walked, Scott Dalrymple singled, Terrance Jackson bunter them up a base, and Joe Huber hit a sacrifice fly to left field.

In the top of the 8th inning, Savage was again at the plate, now facing reliever Zach Blatt, who had relieved Drew Rucinski, who had struck out the side in the 7th. Savage blasted his second home run of the night, again to left field, to give the Turks the lead. Blatt was saddled with the loss.

Granier did the rest. He did not allow a baserunner after the 5th, retiring the last 13 batters in a row. (The last batter of the 5th, Nick Rickles, was thrown out at first on a spectacular play by shortstop Connor Winn, who ranged far to his left, and threw Derek Jeter-style across the diamond. This play saved a run, too!)

The Turks are now 16-12, while the Wranglers fell to 17-11.

All Games Cancelled

The two games on the schedule have been postponed tonight- and tomorrow is the game against the Cal Ripken League. Enjoy the rain, everyone!

Opening Night in Harrisonburg

Well, if opening night is any indication, Harrisonburg's brand new Veterans Memorial Park will suppress runs. Of course, this is only the first game, and often hitters are behind the pitchers at this point, but on this night, the pitchers ruled, save for one batter.

The Turks started their night off with a bang, scoring a single run in the bottom of the first inning when Brett Armour singled in Joe Huber, who had led off the inning with a double. Little did the Turks know, but they wouldn't score again. In fact, they didn't even get another hit until the 9th inning.

The Rebels answered with a single run of their own in the 3rd, when Jordan Owen tripled in Jason Coker, who had led off the frame with a single.

The Rebels would be held scoreless until the top of the 11th inning, when Kevin Brown walked, advanced to second when Joe Maloney was hit in the back with a pitch from losing pitcher Stephen Styck, and came in on yet another hit from Owen- his 5th of the night. The last run, giving us the final score of 3-1, was scored when the next batter, Francisco Ramirez, singled in Maloney.

Owen is swinging a red-hot bat. He set the school record for home runs in a season at Tennessee-Martin on his last swing  of his spring season, and then ripped four hits in an exhibition last night against the New Market Shockers. He finished this game 5-6, with a triple, double, and 2 RBI.

Both starters threw well. The Turk's Kurt Wunderlich finished 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 run (earned), 3 walks, and striking out 9. He was snapping off a tough breaking ball that was giving the Rebels fits. For New Market, William Falasco almost matched Wunderlich pitch for pitch. Falasco allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, and struck out 6 in his 6 inning stint. Four relievers combined to shut out the Turks the rest of the way, with Cameron Ward receiving the win, and Tony Hearrell earning the save.

Coming tomorrow: a picture or two from the game, and the player and the pitcher of the day!

Tournament Update, Friday

The latest installment:

NAIA

• Oklahoma City has already advanced to the Series.

• Tennessee Wesleyan completed an improbable run by defeating Southern Poly State, 12-11, this morning. That means that Wesleyan now joins OKC in the Series. Jason Ferguson (Staunton 08) pitched 2/3 inning, allowing 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk, and 0 strikeouts. Matt McCracken (Staunton 09) came in with 2 outs in the top of the 9th, the bases loaded, and Wesleyan clinging to a 12-10 lead. After a fielder's choice, McCracken retired the last batter to send TW to the series. Congrats, guys!

• Embry-Riddle also punched their ticket to Idaho with a dramtic, 3-2 win against St.Thomas. Down to their last out in the 9th and down 2-1, Riddle's Branden RoperHubbert doubled in 2 runs. Steve Sabins went 1-3 with a walk. All three teams with Valley Leaguers have advanced to Idaho!

Division III

• Shenandoah hammered Mary Washington, 10-5. Kevin Brashears went 1-6, with 1 run and 1 RBI; Jesse Henry went 3-4, with a home run, walk, 2 runs, and 3 RBI; Greg Van Sickler went 0-3 with a walk, hit-by-pitch, and a run; Scot Van Dusseldorp went 0-5 with an RBI. The Hornets will wait, in the championship game, for the winner of the loser's bracket- to be played at 1:00 on Saturday.

• Johns Hopkins took care of Rowan, 9-4, while running its record to an amazing 42-4. Ryan Kahn did not pitch. Now Hopkins will await the winner between Kean, Widener, and Rowan- to play tomorrow at 5:00 PM.

Baseball Pictures!

One of my brilliant readers gave me a tip about a fellow Harrisonburgian (ite?), Holden Byler, who enjoys taking pictures- including taking pictures of baseball games. Since this young fellow has a connection to our family (his long-suffering wife had both ATVL children in her class at the same time! For an entire year!), I thought I would give him a little press. First, two pictures:

A shot of the new Veterans Memorial Stadium

A fun one of Buck Bowman Park in Clover Hill. (ATVL spent some time in the Cloverdome in his time)

To see more pictures (not just of baseball, but many subjects), click here to see Holden's blog!

Tournament Update, Thursday

All five teams still playing!

NAIA

• Oklahoma City advanced to the Avista-NAIA World Series by defeating Northwestern Iowa, 9-4. Brad Riddle (Harrisonburg 09) pitched a scoreless 8th inning. The Series begins on May 28th.

• Embry-Riddle fell to St.Thomas, 7-0. Steve Sabins (Winchester 09) went 1-4 in the game. This sets up a winner-take-all game tomorrow at 2:00 PM. (Winner joins Oklahoma City in the Series.)

• Tennessee Wesleyan had a wild day in the loser's bracket of Group 8. In the first game, Tennessee slipped past LSU-Shreveport, 6-5. Matt McCracken (Staunton 09) started the game for Wesleyan, and allowed 3 earned runs in 3 1/3 innings. He did not receive a decision. Inthe second game of the day, Wesleyan faced Southern Poly State, and upended the #2 seed, 5-4. Jason Ferguson (Staunton 08) earned the win with 3 shutout, no-hit innings in relief. Wesleyan will face Poly again tomorrow at 11:00 AM to earn the right to go to the Series.

Division III

• Shenandoah rolled on, defeating York, 9-6. Our former VBLers did well again: Kevin Brashears (Front Royal 09) went 1-5 with 2 runs and a stolen base; Greg Van Sickler (Front Royal 09) went 2-4, with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and an RBI; Jesse Henry (Front Royal 08-09) went 3-5, with 1 run and 2 RBI; Scot Van Dusseldorp (Haymarket 09) went 1-4 with a run and a walk. The Hornets will face LaGrange at 11:00 AM tomorrow.

• Johns Hopkins defeated Keystone, 9-4. Ryan Kahn did not pitch. Hopkins will play the winner of Rowan vs. Kean tomorrow at 4:30.

Tampa Advances to NCAA Finals!

Well, Tampa made it interesting for a while, but that dynamite lineup put the clinching game away this afternoon.

After losing 10-7 in the first game, Tampa and Southern Arkansas had it come down to one, winner-take-all contest. Ties 2-2 in the bottom of the 5th inning, it looked like this one would be tight to the end, but a 5-spot in the 5th changed that. Add in 8 more runs in the 6th and 5 more in the 8th, and the Spartans hammered Southern Arkansas, 20-3.

Jared Simon (Front Royal 09) and Mike Schwartz (Harrisonburg 09) played their parts in the debacle. Simon went 3-5, with 3 runs, 1 RBI, and 1 walk, while Schwartz was on base 5 times, going 3-4, with 3 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 walks. One other Valley Leaguer played a role- Evan Stobbs (Waynesboro 09). Stobbs earned his 10th save on the season with 3 innings of relief, allowing 1 hit, 1 run (earned), and 1 walk, while strikging out 2.

The Spartans advance to the 8-team NCAA Division II finals in Cary, North Carolina, that will begin on May 22. Congratulations to Tampa!

(Game-wise, I turn my attention to the Division III tournament (more Valley Leaguers are involved!), to begin Wednesday morning. Then back to Tampa on May 22nd!)