CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – While the weather might have been beautiful for a June afternoon, the Tom Sox’s offense was far from it as Charlottesville dropped both games in Tuesday’s two-game matchup with the New Market Rebels. In a make-up for a previously scheduled doubleheader that was rained out, the Tom Sox lost both games in identical manners by a score of 3-0, as the two losses became the first back to back shutouts in program history.
Over the fourteen innings of play Tuesday evening, the ‘Sox only totaled eight hits and were held to just two in the second game. They struggled mightily to get the bats going in the early innings. It was New Market’s Eric Gustofson and Jonathan Bautista (making his VBL debut) who eliminated any threat of damage, as the two pitchers combined for 11.1 innings of work while giving up zero runs and six hits. Furthermore, control was on point for New Market pitching, issuing just six walks across the five arms used.
Game one started with pitching confusion, as New Market starting pitcher Ethan Walker was removed for Gustofson after facing just four batters following an undisclosed injury. Following an uneventful first two innings that saw ‘Sox starter Trey Yesavage (East Carolina) pick up three strikeouts, Bryce Fowler stepped up to deliver a two-run double off of the Tom Sox’s starter. Jackson Nove (Kentucky) would enter in the sixth and give up a run of his own before Fowler, who started at first base for New Market, entered in the bottom of the seventh to earn a save and secure a first game victory for the Rebels.
Logan Amiss (VCU), Christian Martin (Virginia Tech), and Cole Wagner (Georgia) each recorded two hits for Charlottesville, but the ‘Sox saw nine batters left on base. Due to their inability to put Gustofson under early-inning pressure, the Tom Sox saw all of their chances be for naught.
Game two saw a similar trajectory, but with significantly less offensive output from Charlottesville. Brady Kirtner (Virginia Tech) took to the bump and pitched a perfect 1-2-3 top frame, and Jonathan Bautista responded appropriately, likewise throwing a hitless frame. Trouble once again came in the third inning, as Edwin Martínez Pagani ripped an RBI double through the right-center gap. Tayler Montiel (Mississippi State) jogged in from the bullpen, hoping to spark new life in Charlottesville’s defense. Montiel retired the first four batters he faced before giving up consecutive run-scoring hits from Martínez Pagani and Khi Holiday (the latter of which would go on to make a diving catch in his own bullpen to end the sixth inning). A Cole Wagner double and Logan Amiss HBP with no outs sparked some energy in the bleachers in the bottom of the seventh, but a strikeout, fielder’s choice, and groundout grounded those hopes to a halt as quickly as they had started.
Cole Wagner continued his stellar work since joining the squad, racking up a 3-for-6 day including Charlottesville’s only extra-base hit, while Drew Bryan (Chicago) continued to prove that he can shine in any role, throwing two perfect innings while striking out a pair to finish the day.
Ramon Garza will have to quickly rally his troops for another matchup with the Harrisonburg Turks on Wednesday night at Charlottesville High School. First pitch for Healthcare Worker Appreciation Night is scheduled for 7 P.M., with free admission sponsored by Carter Bank & Trust.
Additional Notes
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On today’s shutout:
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The Tom Sox were shut out in back-to-back games for the first time in team history.
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The Tom Sox have been shut out in four games this season, the most of any season in team history.
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Charlottesville has lost four consecutive games for the first time since June 11-15, 2019.
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Cole Wagner finished the day 3-for-6. The rest of the team was 5-for-42 (.119).
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The ‘Sox’s eight hits were delivered by four different players. Martin, Edwards, and Cole Wagner each collected two hits in game one, while Wagner and Logan Amiss had a hit apiece in game two.
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Charlottesville did not record an error in either game.
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‘Sox pitchers struck out 14 Rebels and walked only four in 14 innings.
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The Tom Sox left 13 men on base over the two games.
