Eagles squeak out three of six hits in final at-bat
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, March 27 — After beating the Eagles, 8-4, on the road nine days earlier, Page County fell, 3-2, to East Rockingham at home on Thursday in a tight non-district matchup that went down to the final inning.
The Panthers got a great performance from freshman Summer Pence, who recorded 15 strikeouts from the circle. Page’s Danica Turner was the only player for either team to register more than one hit. The sophomore went 2-for-4 with two singles. Each team recorded six hits on the day, East Rock committed the game’s only error, and the matchup was tied 2-2 heading into the seventh.
The Eagles lead most of the game, but only put multiple runners on base in their first and final at-bats. Sophomores Lillian Lawson and Abigail Shifflett recorded back-to-back RBI doubles that gave East Rock a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. After allowing three Eagles to reach first (another on a walk) in their first at-bat, Page County’s Pence would retire the next 13 batters in order, including 10 by strikeout.
The Panthers had their own struggles at the plate, not recording a hit until the third and stranding four runners in the first three innings. However, in the fourth, Page strung together two hits and then scored off an errant throw to third base. The Panthers would strand a runner in both the fifth and sixth innings, including one at third base, but an RBI-single by freshman Caelyn Lucas tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth.
East Rock was able to load the bases in the seventh off three consecutive hits, including back-to-back bunt singles. Page then missed an opportunity for fielder’s choice at the plate and allowed the go-ahead run to score. The Panthers went down in order in their final at-bat, as they dropped the non-district game, 3-2.
Pence ended her complete-game appearance allowing three earned runs off six hits, while striking out 15 and walking one. East Rock sophomore Adalyn Good allowed one earned run off six hits, while striking out nine and walking three in seven innings of work inside the circle.
Page County’s Emma Lucas went a perfect 1-for-1 with two walks. The first team all-region catcher was the only player during the game to reach base every time she stepped to the plate.
With the win, the Eagles move to 4-1 on the season. East Rocks’ only loss was to Page on March 18. Next up, the Eagles will enjoy spring break and then host William Monroe on April 8.
Page County evens out their season at 2-2 after coming off a 13-1 win over Stuarts Draft on March 20. The Panthers opened the season with a tough 4-2 loss to a tough Class 3 Turner Ashby squad.
While some were skeptical about the Panthers this season after losing four All-Region selections to graduation — including two-time Bull Run District and Region B Player of the Year Bailee Gaskins — Coach Alan Knight has reloaded once again with young talent like freshmen Pence and Turner. Page has proven to remain competitive with Class 3 competition, and will likely be a contender yet again in the Bull Run and Region B in Class 2.
After splitting non-district action with East Rock, Page now looks to get even with the Knights of T.A. at 6 p.m. on Friday at Alan Knight Field.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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