By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, April 22 — After winning four straight, the Page County Panthers have now lost two in-a-row after suffering a slaughter-rule defeat, 13-3, to county-rival Luray on Monday. It was Page County’s first loss in six district games, but the Panthers still lead the Bull Run, one game ahead of Strasburg and Clarke. Luray has now won two-in-a-row after losing four straight, and seems to be turning the tide on a disappointing early season, much like they did a year ago.
On Monday under chilly conditions, the Bulldogs scored 13 runs against their rival Page in just the first three innings off only five hits. Luray would benefit during the shortened game from three Panther fielding errors, five walks, seven hit batters, and a few wild pitches that culminated into seven unearned runs. In addition to scoring a baker’s dozen in total, the Bulldogs also stranded seven runners on base — including a bases loaded situation in the fourth.
Sophomore Landon Pettit lead Luray with a perfect 2-for-2 effort at the plate, including two singles and an RBI. Pettit was the only Bulldog to post more than one hit. Senior catcher Cameron Weaver went 1-for-4, but knocked in two runs with a single in the third and earlier recorded another RBI in the first off a fielder’s choice (albeit a nice double play by the Panthers). Senior Landon Vile, who has committed to play at the next level for Hood College, went 1-for-3 with an RBI single in the third. Sophomore Connor Hilliard also went 1-for-3.
Page County posted three earned runs in the bottom of the third, off an RBI single from junior Tyler Shifflett, a fielder’s choice and a deep sacrifice fly from senior Noah Lucas. Sophomore Caden Coombs went 2-for-3 on the day, senior Jordan Foster was 1-for-3, Shifflet was 1-for-2 and senior Sean Cave went 1-for-1.
While both teams recorded five hits on the day, Page County’s three errors came at costly times as Luray took advantage of multiple walks, hit batters and wild pitches in the second (4 runs) and third (7 more runs) innings. Luray lead the entire way and held a 13-0 advantage going into the bottom of the third, when Page mustered three runs. The Panthers stranded a total of five runners on base, including one in the fourth that could have extended the game.
The game closed out after five innings due to the slaughter-rule. Luray senior Mason Seekford got the win on the mound after allowing three earned runs off five hits in five innings of work. He struck out one and walked three.
The win moves Luray to 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the Bull Run, one game behind fourth-placed Madison. Next up, the Bulldogs travel to the Mountaineers for a 6:30 p.m. game on Tuesday night to challenge for that fourth place position.
With the loss, Page County falls to 8-4 overall and 5-1 in the Bull Run. Still in control of first place, the Panthers next travel to Central for a 6 p.m. game Tuesday night.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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