The Gladiators got to within one out of invoking the slaughter rule tonight but instead had to go the distance to put the Generals away and get back on the winning track. The victory was a much-needed confidence boost for the Big Red who had lost three in a row, after starting the season 8-0. They are now an even 3-3 in Shenandoah District play at roughly the halfway point of the season.
Starting pitcher Austin Craft needed only about 6-7 pitches to put the Generals down in order as a double play ended the visitors' first at-bat. The Gladiators then essentially settled the matter right then and there as they send 10 men to the plate, banged out six hits and jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one.
Ironically it briefly appeared as if the Generals might immediately get right back in the game as they loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the second. Their humongous DH Matthew Dove came to the plate, looking like he just might have the power to make it a 6-4 game with one swing. Instead Craft whiffed him and moments later the Big Red got out the jam with their second DP.
The Gladiators would go on to score in every inning except the 6th as four different Stonewall pitchers could not contain the Big Red hitters, who probably had 15 or more safeties on the day.
The lead was 10-0 in the top of the 5th with two outs, meaning one more out would have sent everyone home early, but instead Stonewall's James Stunkle blooped one out in to shallow right field to plate two runs and extend the game. The Gladiators then got strong relief pitching from Andrew Golladay and freshman Elijah Dunlap to complete the victory.
RHS will be at Stuarts Draft Friday for a 6:00 pm first pitch.
Starting pitcher Austin Craft needed only about 6-7 pitches to put the Generals down in order as a double play ended the visitors' first at-bat. The Gladiators then essentially settled the matter right then and there as they send 10 men to the plate, banged out six hits and jumped out to a 6-0 lead after one.
Ironically it briefly appeared as if the Generals might immediately get right back in the game as they loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the second. Their humongous DH Matthew Dove came to the plate, looking like he just might have the power to make it a 6-4 game with one swing. Instead Craft whiffed him and moments later the Big Red got out the jam with their second DP.
The Gladiators would go on to score in every inning except the 6th as four different Stonewall pitchers could not contain the Big Red hitters, who probably had 15 or more safeties on the day.
The lead was 10-0 in the top of the 5th with two outs, meaning one more out would have sent everyone home early, but instead Stonewall's James Stunkle blooped one out in to shallow right field to plate two runs and extend the game. The Gladiators then got strong relief pitching from Andrew Golladay and freshman Elijah Dunlap to complete the victory.
RHS will be at Stuarts Draft Friday for a 6:00 pm first pitch.
