CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The Charlottesville Tom Sox (15-7) won their sixth straight game on Wednesday, as three pitchers combined for a 3-0 shutout of the Covington Lumberjacks (12-10). They showed out with impressive defense in the field and standout performances from the bullpen.
Covington picked up some momentum right off the bat with a double from their leadoff hitter, Kendry Noriega. Charlottesville immediately struck back with three-straight outs to close the half inning which left him stranded at third base. The ‘Sox struggled to make their way on base with the three leadoff hitters being retired at the plate.
The game continued as a pitcher’s duel between Mark Perkins (Rice), who went on to pitch a total of four scoreless innings for the ‘Sox, and Covington pitcher Jacob Havern. Each inning consisted of fierce efforts from both teams which prevented the ‘Sox and the Lumberjacks from running their basepaths successfully, keeping the game scoreless through the first four frames.
Ryan Lynch (Notre Dame) came out of the bullpen for the Tom Sox in the top of the fifth. While he kept things scoreless with a 1-2-3 inning, Kyle Edwards (Old Dominion) had enough of the offensive struggle. Edwards put the first run of the game on the scoreboard with a home run over the left field fence, his first at CHO Airport Field in two seasons with the ‘Sox. This was directly followed by a deep double hit down the right field line by Brice Martinez (Wofford) and a hit by pitch of Derek Williams (Florida Southwestern), but Martinez was cut down stealing third base to keep the lead at one.
Charlottesville added two more in the seventh. A walk and back-to-back singles loaded the bases for Martinez, who walked to give the Tom Sox their second run. The next batter, Williams, was hit by a pitch to bring in Charlottesville’s third and final run. While they threatened with more, ‘Jacks reliever Jacob Heath got Henry Ford (Virginia) to ground into a 1-3 double play, doubling off Williams at first to limit the damage.
Head coach Lyndon Coleman had Mike Eggert (Wofford) on the mound for the ‘Sox in the top of the ninth to close out the game and secure the win. Eggert easily struck out two Lumberjack batters and then Martinez executed the final out of the game by throwing out the batter at first. Charlottesville secured their sixth-straight win and fifth-straight home win and move to 3-0 against the Lumberjacks on the season.
The ‘Sox continue with their home field advantage Thursday against the Purcellville Cannons. It will be Educator Appreciation Night with the first pitch set for 7 P.M.
Additional Notes
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The shutout win is Charlottesville’s first since July 23 of last season, also against Covington. Three of Charlottesville’s last four shutouts have come against the ‘Jacks, two of which have come at CHO Airport Field.
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Charlottesville struck out 15 batters, tied for the eighth-most in team history.
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Lynch’s eight strikeouts tie the second-most by a ‘Sox pitcher this season.
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The Tom Sox did not steal a base for the third time in the last seven games.
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Charlottesville limited Covington to seven total baserunners on the night.
