Generals Open Season with 7-1 Loss to Staunton

By Joshua Gingrich

It was not an ideal start to the 2022 season for the Waynesboro Generals, falling 7-1 to the Staunton Braves. Waynesboro drops to 0-1, while the Braves are 1-0.

It was an inauspicious start to the game for the Generals, as a throwing error by third baseman Matt Ruiz scored an unearned run for the Braves. Staunton would add three in the fifth on a three-run homer by center fielder Joe Delossantos off Waynesboro starter Nick Chittum. The Braves would send eight men to the plate in the sixth inning, scoring three more to blow the game open.

Meanwhile, the Generals couldn’t muster anything offensively. They drew six walks against Stanton pitchers Ryan Yerby and Adam Fischer, but couldn’t scratch across any runs. Waynesboro didn’t get its first hit until shortstop Jalen Vasquez hit an infield single with two out in the seventh. Vasquez also hit an RBI single with two out in the ninth. 

Staunton third baseman Jeff Snider had two hits and scored three runs. In addition to his homer, Delossantos had two singles. 

Yerby picked up the win. He went five innings, walked six and struck out seven. Fischer got the save. He pitched the last four innings, giving up four hits, one run, and striking out six.

Waynesboro starting pitcher Chittum was handed the loss. He went four-plus innings, giving up three hits, two walks, two hit by pitches and Delossantos’ home run. 

The Generals and Braves play tomorrow in Staunton. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.