Defensive issues hamper Generals

Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
 

Four unearned runs on four Waynesboro errors spelled the difference as Front Royal defeated the Generals 8-5 Tuesday night at Mathers Park.

Front Royal also committed four errors in the matchup of the two teams with the worst fielding percentages in the Valley League, but the Cardinals took better advantage of the Waynesboro miscues. The defensive lapses particularly hampered the efforts of Generals starting pitcher Brian Atkins (1-2), who gave up six runs, three earned, on 10 hits in five innings of work.

Even with the issues out in the field, Waynesboro was in the game until the end. Down 8-3 entering the ninth, the Generals pushed two runs across against reliever Chris Pena and sent the tying run to the plate in the form of Zephan Guyear, who grounded out to second on the first pitch from reliever Kyle Scallion, who recorded his first save of the season.

Dan Smith (2-1) got the win for Front Royal, working five and two-thirds innings and allowing three runs, two earned, on six Waynesboro hits.

Cody Hudson and Grant Fillipitch each had two hits to pace the Generals offense.

Greg VanSickler was 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored for Front Royal.