'Sox Ride Pitching to First Win of 2026
By: Matt Becker
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Charlottesville found its first win of the 2026 season off the back of the pitching from two of its best arms.
The Tom Sox have had trouble cashing in runners in scoring position this season, but the team got off on the right foot in the bottom of the first. Grayson McCollum (Kennesaw State) blooped a single into left-center field to drive in the first run of the game.
With the Tom Sox up 1-0, it was imperative that the team extended the lead.
In the bottom of the third, it was McCollum again at the dish with runners in scoring position. The sophomore connected on a fielder's choice to drive in another run to put the ‘Sox up by two.
Later in the inning, Brock Clayton, who was making his first start of the season, ripped a ball to right field to drive in another run and extend the ‘Sox lead to three.
In the bottom of the fourth, Xavier McCoury (Liberty) walked in a run to make it 4-0.
Starting pitcher Cole Draper (Wofford) found himself in trouble during the top of the fifth after three straight singles, including two bunt singles, loaded the bases. After a sac fly to make it 4-1, Draper was taken out of the game.
Brendan Dahlman (Liberty) entered the game and got out of the jam by striking out the first batter and forcing a groundout for the third out. Draper's final line was four and a third innings pitched, four hits, one run, one earned run, one walk and three strikeouts.
The Tom Sox did not end up scoring the rest of the game, which meant the pitching had to be strong for the ‘Sox to win. Fortunately for the Tom Sox, Dahlman had one of the best relief outings anyone could imagine, going perfect the rest of the game.
Dahlman pitched four and two-thirds innings with a superb number of nine strikeouts. The senior did not allow a baserunner and shut the doors for the ‘Sox, giving the team its first win of the season.
Up next: The Tom Sox (1-7) travel the short drive to Waynesboro on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. EST first pitch. The Generals are at the top of the South Division, while the Tom Sox look to make up ground and ride the wave of today's win.
