Defending 4A State champion Hanover was forced to travel to Suffolk to open the Region South playoffs but the Hawks had no trouble defeating Nansemond River 12-1 in six innings. It was the second straight year Hanover ended the Warriors season after defeating Nansemond River 3-2 in the Region final last year.
Hanover jumped on Nansemond River starter Robert Fitzwater sending 10 batters to the plate while scoring six runs. Fitzwater failed to record an out and he walked in two runs leaving the game in the 1st inning with University of Virginia commit Cayman Richardson driving in two runs with a double to the left field wall. Reliever Michael Blanchard was greeted with a single from Tabb Patrick giving Hanover a 6-0 lead.
The Hawks put the game away with five more runs in the 6th inning to take a 12-1 lead. Cam Grimes reached on an error with the bases loaded and scored a few plays later on a wild pitch. Brady Didlake followed with a single and pitcher John Gregory doubled in the final run for the Hawks.
Gregory, who is committed to the University of Richmond, mixed in mostly off-speed pitches with a couple of fast balls to earn the win. Gregory benefitted from three double plays as he allowed six hits and two walks but no runs.
Fitzwater smashed a deep homerun over the left field wall for the Warriors only run. He finished the game 3 for 3 from the plate with a single double and homerun. Dion Jordan and Jared Henderson each reached base two times.
Hanover jumped on Nansemond River starter Robert Fitzwater sending 10 batters to the plate while scoring six runs. Fitzwater failed to record an out and he walked in two runs leaving the game in the 1st inning with University of Virginia commit Cayman Richardson driving in two runs with a double to the left field wall. Reliever Michael Blanchard was greeted with a single from Tabb Patrick giving Hanover a 6-0 lead.
The Hawks put the game away with five more runs in the 6th inning to take a 12-1 lead. Cam Grimes reached on an error with the bases loaded and scored a few plays later on a wild pitch. Brady Didlake followed with a single and pitcher John Gregory doubled in the final run for the Hawks.
Gregory, who is committed to the University of Richmond, mixed in mostly off-speed pitches with a couple of fast balls to earn the win. Gregory benefitted from three double plays as he allowed six hits and two walks but no runs.
Fitzwater smashed a deep homerun over the left field wall for the Warriors only run. He finished the game 3 for 3 from the plate with a single double and homerun. Dion Jordan and Jared Henderson each reached base two times.
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