WEEK IN REVIEW: WAYNESBORO PICKS UP BACK-TO-BACK WINS IN DOMINANT HOME DISPLAYS
The Generals played four of five games at home during week six of the VBL campaign, winning twice in fewer than nine innings to eclipse double-digit victories on the year.
GAME TWENTY-FIVE (7/5): NEW MARKET – 7, WAYNESBORO – 6
The Gens led the majority of the night against the Rebels thanks to a five-run bottom of the third. They then tacked on an insurance run late to lead 6-4 through eight frames, and promptly retired two of the first three hitters in the top of the ninth.
Unfortunately, out No. 27 proved to be the toughest one to secure. Five consecutive New Market batsmen reached base with two down, propelling the Rebels in front by a single run. A 1-2-3 bottom half allowed them to claim an improbable win.
Key Pitching Performance(s): Gehrig Schreiber – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 2 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Braden Forchic – 2/4, R, 2 RBI, BB, K
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 8-17 (L2)
GAME TWENTY-SIX (7/6): WAYNESBORO – 7, FRONT ROYAL – 1 (F/8)
Anxious to recover from Wednesday’s sorrowing defeat, the Generals found themselves in a pitcher’s duel through six innings versus the visiting Cardinals. Nick Berryman and Cole Schiff were excellent, yielding only three hits apiece.
The third on Schiff though ultimately decided the game. With two outs in the sixth, Isaiah Mirabal slapped a ball over the left field wall for his first home run as a General. The three-run shot put Waynesboro ahead 4-1 before rain eventually forced the game to be called early.
Key Pitching Performance(s): Nick Berryman – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 3 BB, 3 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Isaiah Mirabal – 1/2, HR, R, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 9-17 (W1)
GAME TWENTY-SEVEN (7/7): WAYNESBORO – 11, NEW MARKET – 1 (F/8)
A true redemption opportunity arrived at the Generals’ doorstep when the Rebels returned to Union Home Mortgage Park just 48 hours after escaping with a victory.
Waynesboro capitalized on the chance. Six different Gens reached base three or more times, and the pitching staff limited the opposition to only one run for the second game in a row and third time this summer.
Key Pitching Performance(s): Nate Scott – 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R (0 ER), 4 BB, 5 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Braden Forchic – 3/4, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB, 2 SB; Riley Frost – 4/5, 2B, R; Alex McCoy – 3/5, 2B, 4 R, RBI, BB, 2 SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 10-17 (W2)
GAME TWENTY-EIGHT (7/8): WOODSTOCK – 6, WAYNESBORO – 4
The Gens made their first trip to Woodstock since early June in search of a third straight win, but came home empty handed.
The River Bandits flicked a pair of two-run homers over the short porch in center during the bottom of the third, then answered Haiden Walters’ fourth-inning two-RBI hit with one of their own in the latter half. A run apiece in the fifth and seventh for the Gens closed the gap, but they were unable to muster anything else.
Key Pitching Performance(s): Dave Wilson – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 6 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Isaiah Mirabal – 2/4, 2B, R
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 10-18 (L1)
GAME TWENTY-NINE (7/9): STRASBURG – 16, WAYNESBORO – 6 (F/7)
The Express entered the game with back-to-back losses. The second was dealt by the Charlottesville TomSox, who made the trip to Strasburg and moved into first place with their 7-6 win.
Waynesboro’s quest to dish out a third consecutive defeat was short lived. A patient approach enabled each member of the Strasburg starting nine to draw at least one walk. Each time the Generals scored, the Express piled on multiple runs in the succeeding frame.
Key Pitching Performance: Matthew Sheppard – 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 1 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Alex McCoy – 1/3, R, RBI, K, 2 SB; Sean Shelly – 1/2, 2B, R, RBI, K, HBP
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 10-19 (L2)
INTERESTING TIDBITS
A FORCH(IC) TO BE RECKONED WITH
Braden Forchic’s first appearance in front of a Gens crowd ended in memorable fashion when he supplied the walk-off hit in a 7-6 win over Harrisonburg. But that is far from the only thing the Barry Buccaneer has done since joining Waynesboro at the season’s halfway point.
The Miami Shores, FL. native has torn up the Valley, rocking an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of 1.413 in his last six contests. That mark tops both the Gens and the entire VBL (minimum 20 plate appearances) over the past week. On the year, Forchic’s slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) is .333/.519/.462 in thirteen games.
GREAT SCOTT!
Benito Valle-Jhanda has earned immense praise for his lengthy performances on the mound for the Generals this season. However, were you aware that he is actually not the clubhouse leader in innings pitched for the Gens?
That distinction belongs to fellow SP Nate Scott, who has been viewed as the Robin to Valle-Jhanda’s Batman for Waynesboro. The Galveston product has a claim to even more fame than the Boy Wonder possesses though with his numbers.
Among qualifiers league-wide, Scott sits second in strikeouts (32), fifth in innings (27.1) and eighth in ERA. He is one of seven pitchers across the Valley to make six or more starts, and is the lone member of that septuplet to complete at least four frames every time he has toed the slab.
Scott’s next start is slated for Thursday in Harrisonburg against the Turks.
KK Homes Pitcher of the Week: Nate Scott – 1 APP. (1 S): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R (0 ER), 4 BB, 5 K; 1-0, 0.00 ERA
SabreCat Bats Hitter of the Week: Braden Forchic – 6 G (5 S): 8/16 (.500 AVG.), 3 2B, 3B, 4 R, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K, 3 SB (0 CS)
STANDINGS UPDATE
Charlottesville (17-8) had an eight-game winning streak quelled by Winchester in part one of a doubleheader yesterday afternoon. The second part was suspended due to rain, meaning the TomSox maintained the edge on first they established by beating Strasburg (19-9) on Saturday night. The aforementioned Royals (16-11) are alone in third place, just a half-game in front of Harrisonburg (15-11).
Culpeper (14-15) has continued its midseason rise and now sits in fifth place. The Cavaliers were tied for eleventh in the Valley at the conclusion of week three, and were occupying eighth in our most recent update. Covington (13-14) and Woodstock (13-14) reside in a tie for sixth.
Front Royal (14-16) currently holds the advantage over Purcellville (12-14) for the final playoff spot because of win percentage. Both teams are 3-7 in their last ten games.
Staunton (10-16) finds itself in the top ten for the first time this summer, usurping a New Market club that has lost four consecutive games. The Rebels (11-19) are a half-game in front of the Generals (10-19).
WEEK SEVEN SCHEDULE
The penultimate week of the VBL slate sees Waynesboro take the field eight times in seven days. The Gens longest string of road games occurs Thursday-Saturday, with four away outings in 72 hours thanks to a doubleheader in New Market.
7/10: @ Front Royal
7/11: vs. Covington
7/12: vs. Winchester
7/13: @ Harrisonburg
7/14: @ New Market (DOUBLEHEADER)
7/15: @ Staunton
7/16: vs. Charlottesville
Follow the Generals all season long on all social media platforms, including Tik Tok (@wborogenerals), Facebook (Waynesboro Generals), Instagram (@waynesborogeneralsva) and Twitter (@wborogenerals).
Seven Generals Selected for VBL All Star and Prospect Games
By Braden Ramsey
NEW MARKET, Va. – Earlier this week, the Valley League announced the rosters for the 2023 VBL All Star Game and the select group of players who will represent the Valley in this year’s Prospect Games.
Seven Waynesboro players earned selections for the exhibition contests, with six heading north for the All-Star festivities and three traveling south for the Prospect showcase.
The three Generals who will be participating in the Prospect Games are (in alphabetical order):
- 1B Alexander McCoy: 15 G (15 S), 24/58 (.414 AVG.), 4 2B, 16 R, 10 RBI, 11 BB, 11 K, 18 SB (1 CS)
McCoy has been a staple in the Waynesboro batting order, playing first base and hitting second in nearly every game this season. His 18 stolen bases are tops in the VBL. Prior to Tuesday’s game in Winchester, he was the only player in the Valley with 10 or more swipes to have not been caught on any occasion.
- C Parker Stroh: 9 G (8 S), 9/27 (.333 AVG.), HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, 8 BB, 11 K
Stroh brings great pop and patience from a position that historically prioritizes defensive ability over offensive production. This summer, he is one of two Generals players to reach base in five of five plate appearances during a single game (2/2, 3 BB vs. Purcellville; June 7) and the lone General to record 5 RBI in one outing (at Culpeper; June 10).
- SP Benito Valle-Jhanda: 3 APP. (3 S), 15.0 IP, 11 H, 10 R (7 ER), 9 BB, 16 K; 2-0, 4.20 ERA
Waynesboro’s ace has been a steady hand atop the rotation. Valle-Jhanda is the only member of the pitching staff with multiple victories, produced the Generals’ first quality start with six innings of four-hit, one-run ball versus Front Royal on June 9 and has thrown at least four frames in each of his three appearances. He would be an All-Star if not for his selection here.
Valle-Jhanda is listed on the roster for the first Prospect Game (Monday).
The six Generals suiting up in the All-Star Game are (in alphabetical order):
- SP Conor Hensley: 3 APP. (3 S), 15.0 IP, 22 H, 11 R (10 ER), 7 BB, 17 K; 1-1, 6.00 ERA
Like Valle-Jhanda, Hensley has completed four or more innings in all of his starts. Outside of his first innings against Culpeper and Staunton, he sports a 2.08 ERA across 13 frames.
- 1B Alexander McCoy: 15 G (15 S), 24/58 (.414 AVG.), 4 2B, 16 R, 10 RBI, 11 BB, 11 K, 18 SB (1 CS)
- 3B Luis Ramirez: 12 G (12 S), 14/44 (.319 AVG.), 2 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 10 R, 10 RBI, 7 BB, 11 K, 3 SB (0 CS)
This Bloomfield Bear has done nothing but produce since his arrival in Waynesboro. Ramirez has reached base in all but one of his appearances, and hit home runs on back-to-back nights versus Winchester and Woodstock. In that road affair against the River Bandits, he went 5-for-5 and finished a triple shy of the cycle.
- OF Sean Shelly: 10 G (10 S), 11/36 (.306 AVG.), 2B, 3B, HR, 5 R, 10 RBI, 5 BB, 15 K
Shelly didn’t earn his first start until the Generals’ fourth game of the summer, but he made quite an impression, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. He has added both a three-RBI and four-RBI game to his name in the past week, and has tallied at least one hit in eight of ten outings.
- C Parker Stroh: 9 G (8 S), 9/27 (.333 AVG.), HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, 8 BB, 11 K
- OF Jeremy Wagner: 14 G (14 S), 19/51 (.373 AVG), 2B, 12 R, 9 RBI, 9 BB, 8 K
Jeremy has both followed in his father’s footsteps and taken his own path. The Crozet native has scored in eight different games, recorded multiple hits in six VBL matchups and is the lone Gen to have drawn more walks than strikeouts while playing in more than ten contests.
The 2023 VBL All-Star Game takes place in Front Royal on Sunday, June 25. The 2023 Prospect Games are at Liberty University in Lynchburg on Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 27.
WEEK IN REVIEW: DEFENSIVE ISSUES PLAGUE GENERALS ATTEMPTED RISE
WEEK IN REVIEW: DEFENSIVE ISSUES PLAGUE GENERALS ATTEMPTED RISE
By Braden Ramsey
Waynesboro, Va. – Week three of the 2023 Valley Baseball League season saw the Waynesboro Generals put up the same number of victories as weeks one and two, but also fail to capitalize on a number of chances to add to the win column because of sloppy play in the field.
GAME TEN (6/13): HARRISONBURG – 10, WAYNESBORO – 9
Waynesboro watched the first three hitters of the Turk lineup cross the plate before getting an opportunity to bat, and trailed 4-2 through three innings. The Gens then struck back with three of their own in the bottom of the fourth – all on Sean Shelly’s two-out double – to take the lead.
Harrisonburg answered in quick fashion, scoring six runs in the top half of the two succeeding frames to build a 10-5 advantage. The Generals closed the gap by scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth, but the Turks stranded the potential tying and winning runs with a strikeout to end the game.
Waynesboro only notched five hits in this one, but drew 15 walks, including six in the bottom of the ninth.
Key Pitching Performance: Jack Sullivan – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 0 K, HBP (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Sean Shelly – 2/5, 2B, 4 RBI, BB, 3 K
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 4-6 (L2)
GAME ELEVEN (6/14): CHARLOTTESVILLE – 8, WAYNESBORO – 4
A rematch of the 2023 VBL opener, the Gens scored first on Luis Ramirez’s first-inning SAC Fly. But a two-run second and three-run third provided more than adequate support for a Charlottesville pitching staff that got 6.2 innings of scoreless ball out of its bullpen.
Key Pitching Performance: Edwin Melendez – 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 0 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Luis Ramirez – 2/2, R, 2 RBI, HBP; Jason Brown – 1/1, 3B, R, HBP
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 4-7 (L3)
GAME TWELVE (6/15): WAYNESBORO – 17, WOODSTOCK – 10
Benito Valle-Jhanda snagged his second consecutive victory in this Thursday evening clash, putting up five solid innings on the mound despite some less than stellar defensive help (more in INTERESTING TIDBITS).
Offensively, the Generals pushed across a trio of runs in the first and fifth innings. But their nine-run third where ten different players saw a plate appearance carried the day.
Key Pitching Performance: Benito Valle-Jhanda – 5.0 IP, 6 H, 7 R (4 ER), 3 BB, 6 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Anthony Lamar – 3/4, 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI, BB, K, HBP; Alexander McCoy – 2/4, 2B, 4 R, RBI, 2 BB, 3 SB; Julian Uejima – 3/4, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB, HBP
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 5-7 (W1)
GAME THIRTEEN (6/16): STAUNTON – 6, WAYNESBORO – 3
A four-run first for the rival Braves staked them to an advantage they wouldn’t relinquish. Staunton SP Ben Keefe got all the way to the eighth inning before being replaced by Joe Martino, who recorded the final six outs and his first save of the summer.
Waynesboro had the potential tying run reach third base on two occasions (innings five and eight) when it was a 4-3 ballgame, but couldn’t even the score either time.
Key Pitching Performance: Conor Hensley – 6.0 IP, 10 H, 4 R (3 ER), 3 BB, 3 K (L)
Key Hitting Performance: Alexander McCoy – 1/3, R, BB, K, 3 SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 5-8 (L1)
GAME FOURTEEN (6/17): WAYNESBORO – 11, PURCELLVILLE – 9
After letting one get away versus the Cannons ten days ago, the Generals were determined to prevent something similar from unfolding in their fourth home game of the week. Sean Shelly’s first home run of the year kickstarted a six-run fifth inning in which Anthony Lamar swatted a bases-clearing double to give Waynesboro a 10-4 edge.
Purcellville looked to make lighting strike twice after scoring five times across innings seven and eight, but Jaxson Lucas sat down the side on strikes in the ninth inning to secure the win.
Key Pitching Performance: Jaxson Lucas – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 3 K (SV)
Key Hitting Performance: Anthony Lamar – 2/4, 2B, 3 RBI, BB, K
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 6-8 (W1)
GAME FIFTEEN (6/18): COVINGTON – 9, WAYNESBORO – 5
The Generals dug an early hole during their first trip south, allowing the Lumberjacks to score in each of the first three innings and mount a 6-0 lead. A late rally was halted on an unconventional double play that saw two outs made at third base.
Key Pitching Performance: Evan Swift – 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 2 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Jeremy Wagner – 2/3, 3 R, BB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 6-9 (L1)
INTERESTING TIDBITS
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK…
The Generals could very easily find themselves in the top half of the VBL standings if not for an abundance of self-inflicted wounds throughout this third week of action:
- Harrisonburg: Three errors, four unearned runs (lost by one)
- Charlottesville: Four errors, three unearned runs (lost by four)
- Woodstock: Five errors, three unearned runs (won by seven; Woodstock committed three errors and allowed six unearned runs)
- at Staunton: Two errors, three unearned runs (lost by three)
- Purcellville: Two errors, two unearned runs (won by two)
- at Covington: Three errors, five unearned runs (lost by four)
That’s 19 errors and 20 unearned runs yielded in the past six outings. Waynesboro committed a total of nine errors across its first nine games, allowing only four unearned runs in those contests.
These miscues will have to be rectified if the team wants to climb into a playoff spot (top eight).
WALK THIS WAY!
The Gens have ranked 1st or 2nd in on-base percentage (OBP) at the conclusion of both weeks one and two of the VBL season. This remains the case through week three; their .417 mark trails only Winchester (.425).
While a league-leading hit-by-pitch total (31) helps push the line higher, Waynesboro’s patience in the box is the biggest reason for the impressive number. That approach was never more prevalent than during the third week of action.
The Generals racked up 46 bases on balls last week, equaling the amount they tallied over the first nine contests. Their 92 walks for the season are tied for 3rd most in the VBL (Staunton). Purcellville has the second most (93), while New Market (114) paces the league.
Shenandoah Dermatology Pitcher of the Week: Jaxson Lucas – 1 APP. (0 S), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 3 K, 1 SV; 0-0, 0.00 ERA, SV
Sabre Cats Bats Hitter of the Week: Anthony Lamar – 5 G (4 S), 7/18 (.467 AVG), 2 2B, 8 R, 5 RBI, 5 BB, 4 K, 2 HBP
STANDINGS UPDATE
Every team is still somewhat clustered through three weeks of play, but the distance between top and bottom is widening as the good try to separate from the bad.
Reigning champion Charlottesville* (9-5) is in the top spot on the back of a four-game win streak that began at Union Home Mortgage Park. Winchester and Strasburg have moved into a tie for second place (9-6) with Purcellville. The Royals and Express are there after winning six times apiece since June 11, while the Cannons lost five straight to begin the week.
Harrisonburg and Front Royal (8-7) are knotted together in fifth, while Woodstock and New Market (7-8) find themselves in eighth. Covington* (7-7) slots between the pairs at seventh.
Waynesboro is alone in tenth place with its 6-9 record. Staunton and Culpeper (5-10) sit in a tie for eleventh.
*Covington and Charlottesville have each only played 14 games because of a postponement (Friday, June 16) due to weather. Their makeup game (Monday, June 19) was also postponed due to incoming weather. A new makeup date has not yet been determined.
WEEK FOUR SCHEDULE
6/20: @ Winchester Royals
6/21: vs. New Market Rebels
6/22: @ Culpeper Cavaliers
6/23: vs. Front Royal Cardinals
6/24: vs. Harrisonburg Turks
6/25: VBL All-Star Game
6/26: Prospect Game
Make sure you support your Generals in both the All-Star Game and Prospect Game during the VBL All-Star Break next Sunday-Tuesday! Announcements on which players have earned All-Star and Prospect nods will be coming soon.
Follow the Generals all season long on all social media platforms, including Tik Tok (@wborogenerals), Facebook (Waynesboro Generals), Instagram (@waynesborogeneralsva) and Twitter (@wborogenerals).
WEEK IN REVIEW: GENERALS REMAIN IN MIDDLE OF VBL STANDINGS
WAYNESBORO, Va. – Week two of the 2023 Valley League season for the Waynesboro Generals followed a similar path to their opening week, as the team picked up another pair of victories to stay right in the thick of the VBL standings.
GAME FIVE (6/6): COVINGTON – 4, WAYNESBORO – 2
Steve Proko gave the Generalss a good outing in his summer debut, keeping Lumberjack hitters off balance through five innings of two-run ball. But Covington’s Jacob Havern was equally sharp, limiting Waynesboro batters to only three hits across five frames. Wesley Parker’s two-out solo home run in the top of the sixth proved to be the difference, giving the ‘Jacks a lead they would not relinquish.
Key Pitching Performance: Steve Proko – 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 2 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Alex McCoy – 2/4, R, K, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 2-3 (L1)
GAME SIX (6/7): PURCELLVILLE – 12, WAYNESBORO – 9 (F/10)
The visiting Cannons entered the night tied with the Woodstock River Bandits for first place in the VBL, building a 4-1 record behind a dynamic offensive attack paced by Joseph Eichelberger. Purcellville lived up to the hype early, plating the first four runs of the game and carrying that 4-0 lead through three innings.
Waynesboro began its comeback in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the deficit in half on Julian Uejima’s two-run homer to left. After scoring on a SAC Fly in the fifth, Jason Brown drove in Uejima on a single in the sixth to move the Gens in front 5-4.
Brown then added what appeared to be an insurance run with a solo shot in the eighth, staking the Generals to a 6-4 advantage. But a costly error on a possible game-ending grounder extended the top of the ninth, allowing Purcellville to tie things up just one pitch later.
Waynesboro did a good job containing Eichelberger – who came into the game leading the league in HR and RBI – through regulation, limiting him to a lone walk in five plate appearances. But the Paul D. Camp product busted the contest open in the tenth by swatting a three-run blast to left that ultimately decided the game.
Key Pitching Performance: Jackson Kent – 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R (0 ER), 2 BB, 6 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Julian Uejima – 3/5, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, K, SB; Jason Brown – 2/4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, K, HBP, 2 SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 2-4 (L2)
**GAME SEVEN (6/9): WAYNESBORO – 7, FRONT ROYAL – 2
The Generals’ offense and pitching were both on point in this one. Five different players in the Waynesboro lineup reached base at least three times, including three who tallied three hits. Benito Valle-Jhanda notched both the first quality start of the year for a Gens’ starting pitcher and his first win by tossing six strong frames.
Key Pitching Performance: Benito Valle-Jhanda – 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 6 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance(s): Alex McCoy – 3/5, 2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak) 3-4 (W1)
GAME EIGHT (6/10): WAYNESBORO – 13, CULPEPER – 12
Talk about a shootout!
It was clear from the very first pitch that this game would be a high-scoring affair. The Generals put up three runs and sent all nine hitters to the plate in the opening half-inning but did not take the lead into inning No. 2 after the Cavaliers pushed across four runs in the bottom of the first.
Parker Stroh’s towering three-run home run highlighted a five-run fifth that moved the Gens ahead 12-5 at the time, and his RBI single in the eighth provided the winning margin as a late Culpeper rally ended with the potential tying run on second base.
Key Pitching Performance*: Conor Hensley – 5.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R (5 ER), 1 BB, 10 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance*: Parker Stroh – 2/4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB, K
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 4-4 (W2)
GAME NINE (6/11): STRASBURG – 10, WAYNESBORO – 0 (F/8)
An early pitcher’s duel saw the Generals (3) and Express (1) combine for four hits through three innings. The tide turned in the fourth, when Strasburg had some softly struck balls find holes to spark the heart of its order. The Gens, meanwhile, grounded into four double plays, the last of which erased a bases-loaded, one-out scoring opportunity in the sixth.
Key Pitching Performance: Tommy Putnam – 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 2 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Angel Murray – 2/2, HBP
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 4-5 (L1)
*Statistics from the Culpeper game are currently being corrected. The numbers above are what Pointstreak shows at the time of publishing, prior to corrections taking place.
**The Valley League postponed all games on Thursday, June 8 – including the scheduled Waynesboro @ New Market matchup – due to poor air quality in the region. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on July 14.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
LEAVING RUNS ON THE TABLE?
Waynesboro sits at or near the top of the VBL in multiple offensive categories, such as on-base percentage* (.416; 1st), batting average* (.293; 2nd), hits* (90; 2nd) and runs (60; 3rd). Despite this, the consensus around the clubhouse is that the team could be more consistent with runners in scoring position.
They may be right. The Generals have driven in only 35* of their 60 runs, putting them in a tie for tenth in the VBL in RBI. The squad they’re tied with (Harrisonburg) slots in at last place in both runs scored (39) and OBP (.352).
In total, Waynesboro left 90 runners on base through its first nine games, 51 of whom were stranded in scoring position. If the bats begin to thump more frequently with men on base, the Generals could quickly rise in many more offensive categories and the VBL standings.
*Statistics are as stated on Pointstreak at the time of publishing, prior to the necessary corrections from the Culpeper game taking effect.
WHO NEEDS A HATFIELD?
The Gens’ team success in the batter’s box wouldn’t exist without contributions from up and down the lineup. But the mainstay to this point has been 1B Alex McCoy, who leads Waynesboro in hits (17), RBI (7) and stolen bases (9). McCoy has reached base twice in eight of nine games this summer, with at least one hit in all nine outings.
Converge Signs Plus Pitcher of the Week: Benito Valle-Jhanda – 1 APP. (1 S), 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 6 K; 1-0, 1.50 ERA
Sabre Cats Bats Hitter of the Week: Alex McCoy – 5 G (5 S), 10/21 (.476 AVG), 3 2B, 4 R, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, HBP, 3 SB (0 CS)
STANDINGS UPDATE
With a record of 4-5 through two weeks of play, Waynesboro is one of five teams tied for sixth in the VBL (Covington, Front Royal, New Market and Winchester are the other four). There is not much separation between teams two through twelve; Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Strasburg and Woodstock are tied for second (5-4), while Culpeper and Staunton are tied for eleventh (3-6).
Purcellville (8-1) is alone atop the standings after a 5-0 week.
WEEK THREE SCHEDULE
6/13: vs. Harrisonburg Turks
6/14: vs. Charlottesville TomSox
6/15: vs. Woodstock River Bandits
6/16: @ Staunton Braves
6/17: vs. Purcellville Cannons
6/18: vs. Covington Lumberjacks
We’re now on TikTok! Check out our first post (@wborogenerals), where we ask our players one of the world’s most polarizing questions.
Follow the Generals all season long on all social media platforms, including Facebook (Waynesboro Generals), Instagram (@waynesborogeneralsva) and Twitter (@wborogenerals).
Generals Week in Review: Week One
By Braden Ramsey
WAYNESBORO, Va. – The Waynesboro Generals began the 2023 Valley League summer season on a solid note, bookending week one with a pair of victories against the Charlottesville TomSox and Winchester Royals.
GAME ONE (6/1): WAYNESBORO – 3, CHARLOTTESVILLE – 2
The Gens found themselves lined up across from the reigning VBL Champion TomSox on Opening Night, but did not shy away from the limelight. Waynesboro scored all three of their runs in the top of the second inning, with Alex McCoy driving in two on a single to right field.
Every member of the starting nine reached base, providing scoring opportunities throughout the game. The Generals were unable to capitalize in the middle and later innings, but already notched all the runs they would need thanks to strong pitching.
Benito Valle-Jhanda, who got the starting nod, providing four innings of two-run ball before ceding to Charlie Dohemann. The RHP from Skyline College (San Bruno, CA) didn’t miss a beat, allowing only two hits while striking out eight across the final five frames to secure the win.
Key Pitching Performance: Charlie Dohemann – 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 8 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance: Alex McCoy – 2/4, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 1-0 (W1)
GAME TWO (6/2): STAUNTON – 10, WAYNESBORO – 7 (F/10)
The Generals showed grit in their home opener, climbing back from a 5-0 deficit to force extras. Danny Garcia’s pinch-hit RBI single with Waynesboro down to its last out tied things at seven, but the visiting Braves pushed three runs across in the top half of the tenth to lock up the victory.
Key Pitching Performance: Jack Sullivan – 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 0 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Jeremy Wagner – 3/5, R, RBI, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 1-1 (L1)
GAME THREE (6/3): WOODSTOCK – 9, WAYNESBORO – 4
Manager Matty Holem’s team was back on the road for its third outing of the year, taking the trip up I-81 to battle the Woodstock River Bandits.
The Gens were in a tight battle for the first five innings, but a Grand Slam by Woodstock’s Hunter Smith busted the game open in the bottom of the sixth.
Luis Ramirez had five of Waynesboro’s ten hits in this one, falling just a triple short of the cycle.
Key Pitching Performance: Conor Hensley – 4.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 3 BB, 4 K (ND)
Key Hitting Performance: Luis Ramirez – 5/5, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 1-2 (L2)
GAME FOUR: WAYNESBORO – 15, WINCHESTER – 1 (F/7)
A return home proved to be the remedy for the Generals’ woes. The scoring outburst was buoyed by an eight-run bottom of the third that saw Luis Ramirez hit his second home run in as many days. Eight of nine starting position players scored for Waynesboro.
On the mound, Nate Scott came out firing and struck out seven in three perfect frames to begin the game. He ended up going five innings, allowing four hits (all singles) without walking a man to pick up the win.
Key Pitching Performance: Nate Scott – 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 0 BB, 7 K (W)
Key Hitting Performance: Luis Ramirez – 2/4, HR, R, 3 RBI, SB
Waynesboro Record (Streak): 2-2 (W1)
INTERESTING TIDBITS
SWIPER, YES SWIPING!
Through four games, Generals baserunners have stolen 14 bases and been caught stealing just one time. Alex McCoy (6) and Jason Brown (3) are both top five in the Valley League in the category, with McCoy currently pacing the pack.
WAY TO WEAR IT!
Waynesboro ranks second in the Valley League with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .415, trailing only Purcellville (.434). The Gens are middle of the pack with 20 walks (BB), but have already been hit by pitch (HBP) on 12 occasions, most in the Valley League. Julian Uejima is one of two players in the league to have been plunked in three plate appearances thus far.
KK Homes Pitcher of the Week: Charlie Dohemann – 1 APP. (0 S), 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R (0 ER), 0 BB, 8 K; 1-0, 0.00 ERA
Sabre Cats Bats Hitter of the Week: Luis Ramirez – 3 G (3 S), 8/14 (.571 AVG), 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, BB, 3 K, 2 SB
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Generals are in the middle cluster of the Valley League standings through four games, residing with the Front Royal Cardinals, Winchester Royals and Charlottesville Tom Sox in a fifth-place tie at 2-2. Harrisonburg, Woodstock, Purcellville and Strasburg are all tied for first place with 3-1 marks, while Covington, Culpeper, New Market and Staunton bring up the rear at 1-3.
WEEK TWO SCHEDULE
6/6: vs. Covington Lumberjacks*
6/7: vs. Purcellville Cannons
6/8: @ New Market Rebels
6/9: vs. Front Royal Cardinals
6/10: @ Culpeper Cavaliers
6/11: @ Strasburg Express
*The 6/6 game vs. Covington was originally listed as an away game. It is now a home game.
Follow the Generals all season long on all social media platforms, including Facebook (Waynesboro Generals), Instagram (@waynesborogeneralsva) and Twitter (@wborogenerals).
Generals Announce 2023 Staff
WAYNESBORO, Va. – The Waynesboro Generals have released their support staff for the upcoming season.
Kathleen Kellett-Ward returns as the team’s president for her fifth season after her and her husband Brent acquired the team prior to the 2018 season. During game days Kellett-Ward can be seen providing help all around the ballpark, but is well known for her cheering from the concession stand as well as her involvement in all facets of the organization.
Stacey Lotts Joined the club in the General Manager roll, which was announced this winter. Lotts is assisted by Kevin Simmons who joins the club for his first season as well. Simmons is a local product that grew up watching Valley League Baseball and looks to bring his passion for the game to the organization.
Diane Lundstrom formally wears the hat of housing coordinator and returns to her role for 2023. Diane and her husband Brian have been hosting Generals players for nearly 25 seasons and have been a main piece of brining summer baseball to Waynesboro each and every year. Diane recently retired from teaching, but is back in the classroom now providing help where needed. Diane is a recent recipient of the Darwin Award and can be seen at nearly every Generals game either at home or on the road assisting with meals and wherever needed.
Megan Mathis will serve as the Generals Athletic Trainer for 2023. Mathis graduated from Winthrop University in 2022 and is currently serving in the same capacity at Stuarts Draft High School.
Leyton Pullin joins the Generals for his fifth season and his second in the role of Media Director. Pullin is currently the Associate Director of Athletic Media Relations at Bridgewater College and has been a mainstay of baseball in the Shenandoah Valley for nearly 10 years working with the Generals as well as with the Rockingham County Baseball League, Bridgewater College, Wilson Memorial High School and multiple youth baseball leagues in the area.
The Generals are also excited to welcome a group of interns for 2023. Marissa Hansborough (James Madison), Chase Williams (Methodist), Ethan Perdew (Liberty) and Nina Jenkins (Norfolk State) will join the Gens on the media side, while Kylie Payne (Wilson Memorial/SVGS) will join the Generals to assist on the operations side.
The Generals season kicks off on June 1 as the club heads over the mountain to take on the TomSox. The Generals return home the next night to battle the Staunton Braves in the home opener at 7 p.m.
Wagner Headed Back to the Commonwealth
WAYNESBORO, Va. – Former Miller School standout Jeremy Wagner is heading to Waynesboro for the 2023 season.
Wagner is currently an outfielder at Towson University where he started 57 games for the Tigers this season. The Crozet, Va. native tallied 13 doubles to go along with three home runs and 22 RBI in his first season after transferring from Austin Peay.
Wagner had a fantastic prep career as he won three straight VISAA Division II titles under his father, and former major leaguer, Billy Wagner. Wagner was also the VISAA Division II Player of the Year at Miller School of Albemarle.
The Generals season starts on June 1 as the Generals head to Charlottesville to battle the TomSox at 7 p.m.
Two Golden Falcons Headed to Waynesboro
WAYNESBORO, Va. – Anthony Lamar and Julian Uejima are joining the Generals for the 2023 season from Felician University
Lamar heads to the Valley after his first season at the New Jersey institution. A native of Freeeport, N.Y., Lamar saw action in 48 games, primarily behind the plate, and recorded a .333 batting average along with five home runs and 34 runs driven in. Lamar landed on the CACC All-Tournament after going 7-for17 during the conference tournament.
Uejima also completed his first season at Felician. Uejima saw action in 45 games in the infield recording a .269 average with 36 RBI. The River Edge, N.J. native made his presence felt during the CACC Tournament as he hit .500 in the two games during the championship series.
The Golden Falcons continue their season on Thursday May 18 in the opening round of the round of the Division II NCAA Tournament. The Generals season kicks off on June 1 as the squad heads to Charlottesville to battle the TomSox.
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