Generals Win Home Opener Against Woodstock

Starting pitcher Alex Ernestine had a strong start going six scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

The Generals picked up their first win of the season Saturday night in their home opener versus the Woodstock River Bandits in a game shortened due to inclement weather.

After managing only one run in the previous game, the Generals’ offense exploded for nine runs on twelve hits where a number of different players contributed.

The first four innings of the game moved quickly as both starters, Alex Ernestine for Waynesboro and Zach Perkins for Woodstock, were able to work through the lineup with relative ease. The game remained locked at zero until the fifth inning where the Generals scored five runs on five hits. Cory Alexander II started the inning with an infield single, and after Tanner Poole walked, scored the first run of the game on an RBI single by Zach Sterry. Subsequent singles by Eli Putnam, Kyle Salladay, and Sam Palensky scored four more runs in the inning as the Generals chased the starter Perkins out of the game.

The River Bandits answered back with two runs of their own in the top of the seventh off an RBI single from Jacob Tisevich and an RBI groundout from Mattison Pike with the bases loaded. Waynesboro found more offense in the bottom of the inning however, as the Generals put up four more runs in the bottom of the inning. After loading the bases with two singles and a walk, Woodstock pitcher Brady Jones balked allowing one run to score. A throwing error to home by pitcher Gavin Hellman with the bases loaded, another RBI single by Sterry, and a sacrifice fly by Trey Stine gave the Generals three more runs before the game was called due to lightning and impending weather.

Despite only coming into the game with a team batting average of .148, Coach Matt Williams was optimistic saying he, “enjoyed the offense from day 1.” Coach Williams seemed to have a good reason for optimism as 8 players hit safely and 5 players had RBIs.

Ernestine was dominant for the Generals, going six innings for no runs on three hits with five strikeouts. The starter said he felt good in the bullpen with good command before the game which showed in his strong outing. Christian Cok (0-1) came on in relief in the seventh inning and allowed the two River Bandit runs.

“We enjoyed getting back to Kate Collins and playing in front of the home crowd,” Williams said, “this was a great way to get off on the right foot at home.”

Coach Williams’ Players of the Game: Alex Ernestine (6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 5 SO) and Kyle Salladay (2-4 2 1B, 1 R, 1 RBI).
UP NEXT: The Generals will take on the Charlottesville Tom Sox at home Sunday night at 7:00pm.