Secrist belts two-run dinger in fifth; Hilliard goes distance in two-hit outing
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, May 12 — The Luray Bulldogs took over second place in the Bull Run District on Tuesday with a dominating, 9-1, win over the Falcons of Central. Luray leaned on the right arm of JMU-commit Connor Hilliard, who only gave up two hits in a complete game performance.
Hilliard went 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles and two RBI, while sophomore Caleb Cyphert went a perfect 3-for-3 with three singles and three RBI. Hilliard would have gone a perfect 4-for-4 if not for a great diving catch in centerfield to rob a hit in the first inning.
Overall, the Bulldogs recorded a dozen hits against two Central pitchers — at least one in every inning — and left eight runners on base, including three in the third. Senior Landon Wood and junior Camden Boyd both went 2-for-4 on the day, while sophomore Emery Secrist hit the big blast of the day with a two-run shot over the left field fence socring two runs in the fifth.
Hilliard gave up three walks and a hit batter among the first seven Falcons he faced. After that, he retired the next eight in-a-row — and 17 of the next 19. The Division I signee went all seven innings allowing only one earned run and two hits, while striking out nine.
Luray scored runs in five of six trips to the plate, starting in the first off an RBI-single from Cyphert. After going scoreless in the second, Hilliard provided an RBI-single in the third top go up 2-0.
In the fourth, the Bulldogs broke out for three runs off another RBI-single from Hilliard and a two-run single by Cyphert. Luray was up 5-0 heading to the fifth, where they added two more when Secrist found the sweet spot and drove the ball to the parking lot beyond the left field fence.
Two more runs were added in the sixth off a fielder’s choice sacrifice by Wood and an RBI-single by Boyd.
Central junior Blake Helsley broke up Hilliard’s no-hitter with a single to lead-off the fifth. Two batters later, a fielder’s choice lead to Central’s only run and broke up Hilliard’s shutout. Senior Noah Moss recorded the Falcons’ only other hit in the sixth. Only six Falcons reached base, and Central stranded four. Hilliard picked off a runner at first in the second inning.
The last time these two teams met, Central won 8-5 in Woodstock on April 17.
With Tuesday’s win, Luray (8-3, 8-7) now sits just behind Strasburg (12-0, 16-3), who has an insurmountable lead with only two games remaining and will finish as the regular season champion in the Bull Run. However, the gap between second place and fourth place in pretty narrow.
Central now sits in third place at 8-4 in the district, while Clarke and Page are both in fourth at 7-5. Central just defeated Clarke on Friday, 6-5. After hosting Rapp on Friday, the Falcons will host No. 1 Strasburg in the regular season finale on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs will travel to Strasburg on Friday and then host rival Page County (7-5, 7-10) on Tuesday.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
Bulldogs beat Panthers in first rivalry game, 10-2
Bulldogs fall to Rams after early lead, 7-6
Bulldogs pick up key district win over Clarke, 9-1
VIDEO ~ Page Valley Livin’ talks with JMU baseball commit Connor Hilliard
Be the first to comment