Luray only manages two hits in district win
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, May 20 — Once again, the Luray Bulldogs are showing improvement on the diamond at just the right time. Much like last season’s momentum rolling into the postseason that lead to a Bull Run District title, Luray has won seven of its last nine games following a streak of losing five of six. The Bulldogs could be seeded anywhere from third to fifth in next week’s Bull Run tournament, but wherever they land, the Bulldogs seem ready to play.
On Tuesday, Luray lead-off with an RBI-single by junior Landon Wood in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead over visiting Central. Sophomore Braylon Brooks shut down the Falcons through five innings, allowing no runs and five hits, while striking out three and walking one. Junior Connor Hilliard brought the heat for the last two innings, striking out five of the eight batters he faced to combine with Brooks for the shutout.
The Bulldogs would only get two hits off Central sophomore Blake Knicely, who only allowed one earned run while striking out four and walking two through 6-1/3 innings on the hill. Luray scored two bonus runs in the bottom of the sixth off Knicely’s relief — one earned through a fielder’s choice from sophomore Eli Wood, and the other unearned after an errant throw to first on the double play attempt.
The Bulldogs closed out the 3-0 district win in the seventh, as Central stranded runners at first and third. In total, the Falcons recorded seven hits and left nine runners on base. Central was lead by freshman Jaxson Kelican, who went 3-for-4 with three singles.
Luray was lead by Landon Wood, who went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI — the Bulldogs’ only run until the sixth. Junior Nick Cubbage went 1-for-2, with a walk as well.
Offensively, the Bulldogs have produced 55 runs in their last eight games. After starting out with a 1-3 district record, Luray is now 8-5 in the Bull Run — only losing two district matchups in the last month. Only, three games separate the top five teams in the Bull Run District, and there is no way to predict next week’s tournament seedings until the conclusion of Friday’s games.
In its regular season finale, Luray (8-5, 11-8) travels to Strasburg to face the No. 1 Rams (11-1, 17-2) at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Central (9-4, 11-9) will host Strasburg later this week, while Clarke (8-5, 13-7) hosts Madison (8-4, 9-9) before the Mountaineers travel to Rappahannock (3-9, 8-10). Stonewall Jackson (0-12, 2-16) hosts both Page County (3-10, 4-15) and Rapp this week.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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