Leake gets win on the hill and belts two-run dinger in the fourth
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, April 10 — Page County High School produced two runs in three consecutive innings early and held on late — even getting out of a bases-loaded situation in the seventh — to pick up a Bull Run District win over Rappahannock Friday evening, 6-4.
PCHS junior John Leake had a big day, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a single in the third and a two-run home run in the fourth. That dinger capped the scoring for the Panthers, as they took a 6-3 lead and only allowed one more run by Rapp in the fifth.
Leake also went five complete innings on the mound allowing four earned runs off six hits, while striking out two and walking three. Freshman Collin Murphy hit the hill in relief in the sixth and allowed no runs and one hit, while striking out two and walking two in two innings of work.
The Bull Run match up featured three lead changes in the first three innings. Rapp hit the board first off an RBI-single in the second, followed by two runs from Page in the bottom of the inning off an RBI-single from junior Grant Baugher and an infield error by Rapp.
The 2-1 advantage flipped back to the visitors in the third when they picked up two runs off a bloop single to left field from junior Drew Robinson. The Panthers answered right back with two more runs in the third off a fielder’s choice and a double from junior Baylon Brooks. The big fella went 2-for-4 at the plate with a double, a single and one RBI, and he put Page up 4-3 heading into the fourth.
The Panthers would add two more in the fourth off Leake’s homer, and then allow Rapp one run in the fifth off an RBI-double from senior Grant Burfield. Murphy shut down the visiting Panthers to close out the game.
Great defense was on display on both sides, with dramatic catches in the outfield and a leaping gab in the infield to pick a line drive out of the air. Page did commit two errors, while Rapp only booked one.
Rapp recorded eight hits on the day and stranded 10 runners on base — including three in the seventh, as they were trailing by two. Three infield flies ended the game.
The visiting Panthers were lead by senior Jacob Brown and Robinson, who both went 2-for-3. Robinson had two singles with two RBI, while Brown hit and double and a single with an RBI. Burfield went 2-for-4 and collected a double and a single with an RBI.
Leake and Brooks lead Page County, as the only two Panthers with multiple hits. Overall, the team earned five of its six runs off seven hits. They left seven runners on base.
Next up, Page County (2-1, 2-5) will travel to Madison County (0-2, 0-7) on Wednesday, April 15, before hosting Stonewall Jackson (0-3, 0-7) on Friday, April 17. In the early going, the Panthers are tied for third in the Bull Run with Central (2-1, 3-3), who Page beat 7-1 on March 25. Their early losses (starting 0-3) were against non-district, larger schools — so far, two losses to Broadway and two to East Rock.
Rappahannock (0-3, 0-5) host Orange County on Monday, April 13, and then hosts Luray (2-0, 2-3) Tuesday, April 14.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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