WAYNESBORO, Va. – On Thursday night, the Charlottesville Tom Sox (15-7) fell to the Waynesboro Generals (13-10) in a high-scoring matchup, 14-9. After losing to the Generals at home back on June 16, the Tom Sox looked to seek revenge against a division rival; however, the high-powered Generals offense overmatched Charlottesville.
Stephen Restuccio (Northwest Florida State) toed the rubber for the Tom Sox but struggled in his three innings of work. Out of the gate, Restuccio struggled to retire the Generals hitters, surrendering five runs in the first inning, headlined by a two-run home run by center fielder Shawn Ross. While Restuccio recovered with a scoreless second inning, three more Waynesboro runs would score in the bottom of the third, ending the right-hander’s day.
The Tom Sox offense was red hot entering the matchup, fresh off of a 11-7 victory over the Harrisonburg Turks. While the pitching staff may have struggled Thursday night, the Tom Sox lineup put up another impressive showing. Jack Hurley (Virginia Tech) singled in the top of the second, then used his impressive speed around the basepaths. After stealing both second and third base, Hurley scored the first Charlottesville run of the game on a wild pitch by Waynesboro starter Bradley Wilson.
Charlottesville’s offense played from behind the entire game, trailing 8-1 after just three innings. However, they did not give up easily, slowly fighting their way back into the game. In the top of the fifth, Hurley once again kicked the Tom Sox offense into gear with more impressive baserunning. After reaching base via a single, he stole second base, then scored thanks to two wild pitches by Wilson.
Trailing 9-4 in the bottom of the seventh, the Tom Sox placed utility player Garrett Spikes (Georgia) on the mound for his second relief outing of the year. While the Tom Sox bench enjoyed Spikes’ uncommon outing, so did the Waynesboro batters. The Generals would score three runs (two inherited) off the Bulldog infielder thanks to a 2-RBI triple by catcher Joey Rezek.
With their backs against the wall in the top of the ninth, trailing 14-4, the Tom Sox took advantage of an inability to find the strike zone by the Generals pitching staff. After a leadoff single by Logan Amiss (VCU), five straight walks by Tom Sox hitters brought them within five, but they were unable to make the comeback.
With the loss, the Tom Sox have now lost their last six matchups against the Generals. However, Charlottesville will not have to wait long for a chance at redemption, as they will face the Generals tomorrow night at Crutchfield Park on First Responder’s Night.
Additional Notes
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14 runs are the most allowed by the Tom Sox this season.
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Charlottesville’s six-game losing streak to the Generals is the second-longest against any team in Tom Sox history. Only their seven-game streak against Harrisonburg to open the team’s existence is longer.
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Restuccio’s eight runs allowed tied for second in team history.
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Hurley’s three stolen bases marked the fourth time this season a Tom Sox runner has stolen 3+ bases in a game.
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All but one Tom Sox batter (Cole Foster) reached base in the ninth inning.
