If we've learned anything so far this year in the Central Region, it's that we can't be sure of much. Having said that, what I do know is that Hanover's 6-3 victory over rival Atlee tonight gives the Hawks sole possession of first place in the Capital District.
Hanover, which defeated the Raiders earlier in the year, got some help in the form of wildness from Atlee ace Luke Bolka. Bolka lasted only 2+ innings, and walked three and hit two batters in the first inning alone. That led to two Hanover runs without a hit. The Hawks extended the lead to 5-0 before Atlee rallied for a couple of runs against Derek Casey. The game settled down from there, as each team would get one more run to round out the final score of 6-3. Casey went the distance, just as he did in the first meeting between the two. He finished with nine strikeouts, allowing three runs on five hits.
The Hawks themselves only got five hits, but aggressive baserunning and free passes from Atlee made the difference. Trevor Denton led Hanover with a 2-for-2, 2-RBI night. The Raiders' Steven Edmunds was 2-for-4 in the loss, which dropped Atlee to 4-2, 10-2.
This result means that Hanover (5-1, 10-2) is now the only team in the Capital with just one district loss. Had the Hawks not been upset by Varina earlier this week, Hanover would have the district all-but-wrapped-up. As it stands, the Hawks can clinch the all-important regular-season title by winning out, but any slip could open the door for another team to catch Hanover. For now, the Hawks have first place to themselves.
Here's a link to HIGHLIGHTS of this game.
R H E
A 0020100 3 5 1
H 230100x 6 5 1
Hanover, which defeated the Raiders earlier in the year, got some help in the form of wildness from Atlee ace Luke Bolka. Bolka lasted only 2+ innings, and walked three and hit two batters in the first inning alone. That led to two Hanover runs without a hit. The Hawks extended the lead to 5-0 before Atlee rallied for a couple of runs against Derek Casey. The game settled down from there, as each team would get one more run to round out the final score of 6-3. Casey went the distance, just as he did in the first meeting between the two. He finished with nine strikeouts, allowing three runs on five hits.
The Hawks themselves only got five hits, but aggressive baserunning and free passes from Atlee made the difference. Trevor Denton led Hanover with a 2-for-2, 2-RBI night. The Raiders' Steven Edmunds was 2-for-4 in the loss, which dropped Atlee to 4-2, 10-2.
This result means that Hanover (5-1, 10-2) is now the only team in the Capital with just one district loss. Had the Hawks not been upset by Varina earlier this week, Hanover would have the district all-but-wrapped-up. As it stands, the Hawks can clinch the all-important regular-season title by winning out, but any slip could open the door for another team to catch Hanover. For now, the Hawks have first place to themselves.
Here's a link to HIGHLIGHTS of this game.
R H E
A 0020100 3 5 1
H 230100x 6 5 1
