Tom Sox Explode For 14 Runs In Run-Rule Win Over Generals
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.– In a “can’t lose” game for the Charlottesville Tom Sox on their hunt for the second seed in the South Division, they put on an offensive show. The ‘Sox, carried by a trio of home runs, scored 14 runs in a game for the second time this week as they mercy-ruled Waynesboro, 14-4.
Evan Taveras was the star of the show in a matinee matchup that catapulted Charlottesville to a 20-16 record. Taveras went 3-4 at the plate with a pair of home runs, three runs scored, and three RBI to pace the ‘Sox. He is the first player this season to have a multi-home run game, and the first since Cade Belyeu collected two bombs on June 1, 2024.
“I was really just being aggressive and hunting fastballs,” Taveras said. “If you’re on time with that, you don’t really have to worry about anything else.”
Taveras also threw a runner out at second from his catcher spot behind the plate, showcasing his ability on both sides of the ball.
He wasn’t the only hot hitter at the plate, as Kyle Langley (James Madison)and Brock Clayton each collected multi-hit games. Langley’s two-hit effort marked his seventh multi-hit game of the season. Clayton delivered the “walk-off” single in the seventh inning to send the fans home early, finishing his day 2-5 with singles to right field.
Lee Sowers (North Carolina)continued his torrid stretch, reaching base in three of his four plate appearances in now back-to-back games. Although his average sits at just .220 on the year, Sowers has an on-base percentage approaching .500 this summer. Sowers leads the team in walks with 22, putting him two walks clear of Jackson Sirois (Maryland)who has played nine more games than the Tar Heel.
Taveras racked up two of Charlottesville’s home runs on a sunny day at CHO Airport Field, with the other coming off the bat of Patrick Niehus (Gardner-Webb).His three-run opposite field blast put the ‘Sox into double digits in the sixth.
With only seven innings of baseball in the mercy-rule affair, head coach Randy Tomlin was able to save his arms. Only Riley Roarty (Virginia Commonwealth)and Alex Bingler (James Madison)toed the slab for the ‘Sox, combining for just three earned runs allowed. Roarty tossed a season-high four and a third innings and four strikeouts in his second start (10th appearance) of the season.
Bingler entered in the fifth inning, throwing two and two thirds innings of shutout baseball. He only allowed a handful of baserunners, gave up an unearned run, and racked up five punch-outs. Positive performances from both of these pitchers should bode well for the ‘Sox come playoff time.
UP NEXT:
The ‘Sox travel to Staunton on Monday night to face the Braves in a game that could determine who clinches the second seed, and a first-round playoff bye, in the South Division. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. from John Moxie Memorial Stadium.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Every Tom Sox hitter reached base on Sunday, as the team had 10 hits and walked six times
The 14 runs scored tie a season-high for Charlottesville
With the win, the Tom Sox earn their eighth straight twenty-win season
Charlottesville’s home run total on the season is now 16 after its second multi-homer game as a team
The six-run first inning for the Tom Sox was the seventh time this summer where they scored five or more runs in an inning
This was the second-highest attended game at CHO Airport Field game this summer (314)
