Hanover – Henrico (16-6) could not defend its Capital District Tournament Champion title, dropping a 6-1 decision to Hanover (16-5). Despite the loss, the “Warriors” advance to the Central Region Tournament next week.
“On a championship night, we came out and played just average,” said Henrico head coach Ken Schrad. “In fact, we were well below our capability to play quality baseball,” he added.
Coming off an emotional, and late night victory Wednesday, Henrico could not seem to find the energy to give itself a chance. After a scoreless first inning, it appeared the “Warriors” had ‘hit the wall’ and could not bounce back.
Starter Eric Thornton had trouble locating his pitches. After walking his fourth batter in the inning, he was pulled. He had also surrendered a walk in the first inning. “We can’t be too hard on Eric,” said Schrad. “We were all expecting him to dominate like last year in the championship game. I think he was expecting the same. When it wasn’t there, it was frustrating. Then, he started trying so hard to find it, it only made things worse.”
Hanover took advantage of the situation. One run scored on a wild pitch. Another run scored on a failed pick off play attempt at first base.
Sophomore Paul Bateera, another lefty, came on in relief with two runners on base. He put out the fire with no additional damage.
Hanover scored an unearned run in the third inning. A misplayed ball in left field led to the run.
Meanwhile, “Hawks’” starter Aaron Adkins was locating his pitches with precision. And, he was helped defensively. Three times Henrico runners were snuffed out on double plays, two of them were inning-ending twin killings.
Hanover picked up three more runs in the late innings while Henrico was held scoreless. The “Warriors” finally broke the ice in the seventh. Michael Mansfield drew a walk. Dorsel Robinson, running for the catcher, advanced to second on a passed ball. Bateera was hit by a pitch and Alvin Hence singled to load the bases. Robinson scored on another passed ball. The inning ended on a strike out.
Adkins scattered five hits. Adam Toombs, Seth Cutler-Voltz, Landon Prentiss, Hence and Thornton were credited with safeties. But, none of them could be strung together.
“Overall, it’s disappointing. But, we still get to play some more baseball next week,’ said Schrad. The Warriors drew the top seed from the Dominion District. The Cosby “Titans” are also considered one of the best teams in the state.
“We better be well above average on Tuesday,” said Schrad. The game, at Cosby, will start at 5pm.