By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, May 17 — Page County stranded nine runners on base in a narrow 3-1 district loss to Strasburg on Tuesday. The loss broke a three-game winning streak in Page’s final regular season game and came on the heels of a 13-3 slaughter-rule win over rival East Rockingham on Monday.
Senior Mitchell Gaskins lead Page at the plate on Tuesday, going 2-for-3 with a double and one RBI. The Panthers only mustered four hits on the day, as seniors Caden Good and Aidan Painter each added one. Senior Caleb Knighton took the loss on the mound allowing three earned runs on six hits, while walking one and striking out three through six innings.
Despite Tuesday’s narrow loss, Page beat the Rams, 10-6, when they traveled to Strasburg on April 14. This week’s win at Page puts Strasburg in the running with Madison for regular season district champs. However, the Rams still have to host Central at 6 p.m. on Friday.
On Monday against East Rock, Page recorded eight hits, including a 3-for-3 effort by Gaskins (5-for-6 over two days) with one RBI. Senior Chase Parlett went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, while senior Caleb Knighton went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Junior Hayden Plum went 1-for-3 with a double that drove in two runs. Sophomore Colby Cave got the win, going five innings and allowing only three runs on five hits, while walking three and striking out six.
With the split, the Panthers end the regular season at 9-7 in the district and 10-10 overall. Page currently sits third in the Bull Run, but with games left on Friday, seedings could change before the start of the district tournament on Tuesday, May 24.
Heading into Tuesday’s games, only about three games separated the top six teams in the Bull Run District, so next week’s district tournament is anybody’s ballgame. Madison and Strasburg are sitting at the top two positions, with Page, Clark and Mt. View all just one or two games back. Even teams at the bottom, like Luray and East Rock, have recorded wins over teams in the upper half of the district standings. The best overall record goes to Strasburg at 15-4, but inside the district, these teams have been beating up each other all season.
For full schedules, rosters and standings — check out the Bull Run District website.
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