Colley Field – Playing at home as the visiting team seemed strange. The final game of the regular season against Capital District rival Highland Springs (3-9; 6-10) was just as strange. Henrico (8-4; 15-5) won 8-6. But, it was bizarre.
Henrico pitchers Eric Thornton, Brandon Gunnell, and Seth Cutler-Voltz combined to throw a one-hitter. They recorded 14 strikes outs. But, they also allowed 10 walks.
And, the defense was also having its troubles committing six errors. So, Highland Springs was able to hang around all game even though Henrico led the entire way.
“Wow, what an ugly win,” said Henrico head coach Ken Schrad. “I suppose if you were going to have an off day, it’s much better for it to occur now then next week in the playoffs,” he added.
Henrico is the third-seed in the district tournament and will play second-seed Lee Davis in the 7pm contest on Wednesday night at Hanover High School. The game actually follows the Hanover-Atlee game which starts at 5:30pm.
Henrico started off strong with four runs in the first inning off Springers’ starter Brett Zimmer. Michael Mansfield hit a two-RBI single in the frame. Thornton quickly shut down Highland Springs in the bottom of the inning.
When he came out in the second inning, it was like a different pitcher took the mound. He walked four consecutive batters. He should have gotten out of the inning giving up only one run, but two errors followed. When the inning was over, Henrico led 4-3.
Henrico got two back in the top of the third. Andrew Props had the first of his two hits in that inning. Thornton was back to form in the bottom of the third. But, Paul DeBerry walked. He stole second base and advanced to third when the throw down was wide of second. He then scored on a passed ball. The score was 6-4.
Henrico did not score in the fourth. Highland Springs scored one. Following two strike outs, Thornton walked two. The first made it to third base on a throwing error putting runners at first and third. On a wild pitch, the runner from third scored and the runner at first who broke for second on the pitch was thrown out trying to make it to third.
In the fifth, Henrico scratched out two more runs to take a three run lead. Props got his other single in this frame which was aided by a missed third strike, a hit batter, and two walks.
Gunnell pitched the fifth for Henrico. He walked one, struck out one, and gave up one hit which led to a score. His best pitch forced a ground ball that Adam Toombs, Landon Prentiss and Alvin Hence turned into an inning ending double-play.
Cutler-Voltz cleaned up and made sure there were no more Henrico mess ups. He struck out six in two innings.
“Although it did not look like it today, this team has worked hard all season and deserves its 15-5 record,” said Schrad. “Now, it’s playoff baseball. Lose one and you’re done. I want to keep coaching these kids for a few more weeks.”