The Luray Bulldogs traveled to Greenville today for a Shenandoah District game and to no great surprise, the wind was swirling up on the hill. But the real story of the game was a pitching gem by the Dogs' Concord College-bound Logan Morrison, who handcuffed the Gladiators on just four hits over 6 2/3 innings in a mildly-surprising 3-0 win. RHS had won the first match-up 11-2 on Luray's diamond.
But today the Big Red just had no answer as they could not touch Morrison. Although they put runners on base in the 3rd through 6th innings, the Gladiators only reached second base twice in the game and never seriously threatened. Every time it looked like they might rally, Morrison would get the key out.
Meanwhile Boo Dean hit a two-out RBI single in the first and for the longest time, it looked like that 1-0 lead would hold up. Austin Craft started for Riverheads and pitched a decent enough game himself before being lifted in the sixth for Elijah Dunlap. He was in turn replaced by Casey Phillips in the 7th and the Bulldogs touched him for two more runs on three hits. Morrison then got the first two Gladiators out quickly in the home half of the 7th but was replaced instead of being allowed to go for the complete game. Perhaps the pitching count rule impacted that decision.
The Gladiators would be wise to put this one in the rear view mirror quickly as they travel to Buffalo Gap Friday for a 5:30 first pitch. They topped the Bison 5-2 at home the first time around.
But today the Big Red just had no answer as they could not touch Morrison. Although they put runners on base in the 3rd through 6th innings, the Gladiators only reached second base twice in the game and never seriously threatened. Every time it looked like they might rally, Morrison would get the key out.
Meanwhile Boo Dean hit a two-out RBI single in the first and for the longest time, it looked like that 1-0 lead would hold up. Austin Craft started for Riverheads and pitched a decent enough game himself before being lifted in the sixth for Elijah Dunlap. He was in turn replaced by Casey Phillips in the 7th and the Bulldogs touched him for two more runs on three hits. Morrison then got the first two Gladiators out quickly in the home half of the 7th but was replaced instead of being allowed to go for the complete game. Perhaps the pitching count rule impacted that decision.
The Gladiators would be wise to put this one in the rear view mirror quickly as they travel to Buffalo Gap Friday for a 5:30 first pitch. They topped the Bison 5-2 at home the first time around.
