By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, May 3 — Seventeen games into the season, the Page County Panthers have only played in four close games. They have won three of those close games by one run, including a 1-0 nail-biter against second-place Strasburg during Senior Day on Friday at Alan Knight Field.
With the win, the Panthers clinch the regular season title in the Bull Run District, as well as the No. 1 seed in the Bull Run tournament in two weeks. The tough victory over the Rams marked Page County’s 11th straight win and maintains their undefeated status in the district at 10-0. The Panthers stand 16-1 overall on the season, with their only stumble coming on the road way back on March 27 against a tough Class 3 Turner Ashby team.
Page now has two road games remaining in the regular season — at Mt. View (2-10, 4-12) at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7; and at Luray (0-9, 0-13) at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Following the rivalry game with the Bulldogs, the Panthers will have more than a week off before the Bull Run tournament begins.
During Friday’s showdown with the Rams, senior Bailee Gaskins once again showed why she’s going to play at the next level. The Division II, Coker College signee hurled a one-hit, shutout against arguably the Panthers’ toughest Class 2 competition in Region B. In seven innings of work, the right-hander struck out nine and walked ZERO.
Senior Adryn Martin went a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate, with a bunt single in the third and a deep double to right-center field in the pivotal fifth inning. Following her double, Page benefitted in the fifth from a Strasburg error and back-to-back walks, as Martin scored the Panthers’ (and the game’s) only run.
The Panthers’ only other hit came from sophomore Aliyah Knight, who belted a double to left field in the first inning. Knight also had some outstanding plays in the field at shortstop. In fact, Gaskins was backed up all day by solid defense across the board, from diving catches in the outfield to sharp turns in the infield. The Panthers committed ZERO errors in the field.
Strasburg sophomore Hannah Merriner recorded the Rams only hit of the day and marked the only Ram to reach base. Pitching duties were split between senior Kiersten Wiseley (3 inn.) and sophomore Ava Mayhew (3 inn.). The duo combined for a solid performance, giving up only three hits and only two walks (both in the fifth). Page’s only run was unearned, as the Rams committed three errors in the field.
Next up, the Rams host Luray on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. before traveling to Central at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Strasburg concludes the season at home against Madison at 6 p.m on Tuesday, May 14.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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Thank You for the great coverage !
Thanks Jerry!