Offense Explodes for 12 Runs On 14 Hits
The Generals jumped all over Purcellville’s pitching staff tonight for 12 runs. The pitching staff for Waynesboro was equally impressive with 16 strikeouts.
After a clean top of the first, the Gens wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Kobe Lopez (Florida International) led off the game with a walk, worked his way to second on a wild pitch, and scored on a single by the second hitter, Joe Kinker (Florida Gulf Coast). Kinker would steal second base two pitches later and would move to third on an infield single by Elijah Quiceno (Gannon U) and then throwing error. Jackson Tate (Alabama) would ground into an RBI fielder’s choice to tack on the second run of the inning.
Purcellville would bounce back in the third inning with a run of their own. Things got started with a lead-off double by Kyle Hayes. He would be brought in to score two batters later on a single by Michael Brewer. Not to be outdone, the Generals would get the run right back in the bottom of the third. When Jackson Tate grounded into a fielder’s choice for the second out of the inning, it looked as if the Gens would go quietly. However, Wes Clarke (South Carolina) hit an RBI triple to deep centerfield. That brought the score back to a 2 run cushion of 3-1.
The game remained close until the bottom of the 5th. The Generals would strike for 5 runs to blow the game open. Cole Jackson (Young Harris) would start things out with an infield single. Jackson Tate would double down the left field line to put runners on second and third. Wes Clarke then singled to bring both runners in for the first 2 runs of the inning. After a fielder’s choice, a Cannons error, and a strikeout, Kobe Lopez would double off the wall in left field to bring both runners in. Kobe would score a few pitches later on a single by Joe Kinker again. The score now read 8-1.
The Generals would tack on another run in the 6th. Cole Jackson started things off with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch. After Wes Clarke walked, Jack Murphy (St. Mary’s) grounded into a fielder’s choice to bring in Cole Jackson.
The 7th inning proved to be another fruitful one for Waynesboro as they put up three more runs. Kobe Lopez would get a one-out infield single and would steal second when there was nobody around to cover the bag. Joe Kinker would reach on an error by the shortstop. Santiago Garcia (Alabama St.) stepped up in his pinch hit opportunity and drilled a two RBI single to right field after the right fielder missed the ball, allowing two runs and Garcia to get to third base. Cole Jackson would pick up his 3rd hit of the night to drive in Garcia to make the score 12-1.
The Cannons would add 3 runs in the top of the 8th, but overall, the pitching staff for the Gens was impressive as well. Eric Sapp (Gannon U) led the way with 5 strong innings where he struck out nine batters and picked up his first win of the season.
Key Performers for Purcellville:
Michael Brewer: 3-4, RBI, R
Jose Gutierrez: 2-4, 3B, 3 RBI
Key Performers for Waynesboro:
Kobe Lopez (Florida International): 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R
Joe Kinker (Florida Gulf Coast): 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
Cole Jackson (Young Harris): 3-3, 2B, RBI, 2 R
Wes Clarke (South Carolina): 2-3, 3B, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Eric Sapp (Gannon U): W (1-0), 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Dylan Nix (Young Harris): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 K
The Generals will take tomorrow off but will be back in action at Integrity Home Mortgage Park at Kate Collins Field on Tuesday when the Covington Lumberjacks come back to town.
Young Harris Loads Up General Roster
Waynesboro, Virginia
Young Harris College will send four players to Waynesboro this summer. The connection between the two sparks from the former head coach of the Generals, Matt Williams. Williams just finished his second season as an assistant coach at Young Harris. He served on the Generals coaching staff for a number of years while he was an assistant at Valdosta State, but now sends us Dylan Nix, McClain Harris, Logan Worley, and Cole Jackson.
Dylan Nix – Right-Handed Pitcher
Dylan is the son of Rachel and Brian Nix. The 6’2 175 pound sophomore is from Lula, Georgia and Banks County High School. After making just six appearances his freshman year, Dylan put together a strong season. He made 15 appearances and earned and ERA of 2.40 with a 3-1 record. Over his 30 innings, he allowed just 28 hits, eight earned runs, and struck out 25 batters. His outings included long relief stints out of the bullpen. In 10 out of his 15 appearances, he worked more than just one inning with his season high being 4.2 innings against Southern Indiana. Dylan will look to continue what has been a strong 2019 campaign to this point. Welcome to Waynesboro, Dylan Nix!
McClain Harris – Right-Handed Pitcher
McClain is the son of Robin and Ted Harris. He’s listed at 6’0 220 pounds from Griffin, Georgia and Spalding High School. McClain just finished his junior year where he continued to be the closer for the Mountain Lions. After picking up five saves his sophomore season, he bettered all his numbers by picking up seven saves this season. He also boasted a sub-four ERA over 24 appearances and 41 innings. He was another arm for the Mountain Lions that was used to going more than one inning in an outing. How ever he gets used this summer, it’s always good to have a guy that is used to handling the final three outs of the ball game. Welcome to Waynesboro, McClain Harris!
Logan Worley – Infielder
Logan is the son of Dawn and Thad Worley. He, like McClain, is from Griffin, Georgia, but Logan played at Griffin High School. Griffin and Spalding High Schools are big crosstown rivals. Logan is listed at 6’2 175 pounds. Since arriving at Young Harris, Logan has played a big role in the success of the Mountain Lions. As a freshman, he started all 50 games and batted .271 with 31 RBI and 39 runs scored. This year, he batted .263 with 20 hits on the season. The right-handed hitter is a good contact man at the plate. He only struck out six times on the year in 83 plate appearances. Welcome to Waynesboro, Logan Worley!
Cole Jackson – Catcher
Cole Jackson is the son of Regina and Andrew Jackson. Cole is listed at 6’2 260 pounds from Tyrone, Georgia. He’s in his first season with Young Harris after going to Spartansburg Methodist College out of high school. For Spartansburg, Cole played in 43 games over his two years and hit around .290 with three homers, five doubles, and 23 RBI. With Young Harris, Cole really found a home. He was one of just three players on the roster to start and play all 57 games for the Mountain Lions. Cole hit .293 with some good power numbers to go with it. He hit 18 doubles and seven homers with 33 RBI and 49 runs scored. Cole will look to compete as a backstop in Waynesboro this summer with two other very talented catchers. Welcome to Waynesboro, Cole Jackson!
