Tom Sox Fall Below .500 Again After 8-4 Loss to Braves

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –With a chance to jump up to second place in the South Division for the first time this season, the Charlottesville Tom Sox (12-13) fell to the visiting Staunton Braves, 8-4.

North Carolina’sTim Lawson had the start for the ‘Sox and provided two innings of one-run baseball. The Braves scored runs in four of the first six innings to break out a 5-0 lead before the bottom of the sixth.

The ‘Sox surrendered 10 walks in those six innings, giving out baserunners and running up their pitch counts, something that has been a persistent problem in losses for the ‘Sox all season. 14 walks on the day ties the second-most in team history as the ‘Sox continue to struggle with the free pass. In losses this season, the ‘Sox average eight and a half walks per game. Meanwhile in wins, they average just over five and a half walks per game.

The Braves offense only racked up five hits, but managed to push across eight runs in their win.

Offensively, the ‘Sox burst out for a three-run sixth inning by way of newcomer Elijah Guilliams (Flagler College),who delivered a two-run double. That was followed up by a Kyle Langley (James Madison)RBI single into center. Guilliams provided two doubles for Charlottesville in an inspiring debut that could be the sign of good things to come in the back half of the season.

Pitchers throughout the game struggled with the free pass, which led to runs being scored in five different innings through wild pitches, passed balls and timely hitting. The game sped up following the sixth inning after Ian White Jr. came in for the ‘Sox. White pitched the final two and two thirds innings for Charlottesville, finishing his day with four strikeouts, no hits and no runs allowed.

White kept the ‘Sox in the game through the final innings before Charlottesville attempted to spark a rally in the ninth. Despite an exciting few batters and the tying run being at the plate with the bases loaded, Hudson Lutterman (Virginia Tech)struck out swinging to end the game.

UP NEXT:

The ‘Sox have Independence Day off before they host the South Division-leading Harrisonburg Turks, a team they fell to on Tuesday night. The ‘Sox will carry a losing record into the game at 12-13, still looking to make the push over .500 on the season. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. from CHO Airport Field at Charlottesville High School.