by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@digitalsports.com
(804) 240-2191
Number 13 is probably not the best for baseball players, usually the most superstitious athletes.
Except Laine Denton and Hanover.
The outstanding second baseman dons No. 13 and led a 13-run rally as Hanover defeated Deep Run 14-6 Saturday in the Central Region baseball final at the immaculate RF&P Park.
Denton finished 3 for 4 with two RBI and a big solo HR in the second inning that made it 4-1.
“Then we were still in a little bit of trouble,” Denton said. “It was still 4-1. We started hitting the ball and I guess things kind of happened.”
Deep Run wasn’t done pounding the baseball yet.
With two home runs already from Jake Snyder (two-run shot, first inning) and Tyler Benson (solo, second inning), Seth Greene had an RBI single in the third and R.C. Orlan followed with one of his three hits to provide a 6-1 lead.
Then, as Deep Run coach Grant Odell put it, the second half of the contest started.
Austin Erb scored as Deep Run catcher Snyder hit Denton trying to pick him off at second. An error allowed Denton to score from third, 6-3 Deep Run.
Bryson Kemler got an RBI without using the bat, walking with the pads loaded, Deep Run 6-4. Then Beau Flinchum and Kemler scored on a weird play as the ball got away twice from Deep Run.
All of a sudden a five-spot was up in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 6. Brand new ballgame.
Erb came up in the next inning a blasted a solo shot to give Hanover a 7-6 lead. But the Hawks would put up seven more runs as Deep Run struggled with walks and errors.
Justin Thorn had three RBI, Thornton Glazebrook hit a HR to make up for his base-running blunder and Flinchum had an RBI to end the scoring.
“This is the best lineup I’ve ever been a part of,” Denton said.
Added Hanover coach Charlie Dragum: “This team doesn’t quit. I was probably more concerned than they were. They can hit and they do. Every game they’ve come out and swung the bat in this tournament. Swung with authority. Not little singles, they’re popping balls into gaps and hitting a lot of home runs.
“You’re never out of a game when you have the offensive capabilities we have this year.”
Hanover will host Northern Region runner-up Lake Braddock Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the state Group AAA quarterfinals, while Deep Run will visit Northern Region champ West Springfield.
Deep Run 311 100 0 – 6 10 4
Hanover 010 526 X – 14 15 0
Beightol, Renick (4), Benson (4), Griffith (6), Bruce (6), McGuire (6) and Snyder; Erb, Kane (4), Thorne (5).
Records: Deep Run (14-9); Hanover (21-1)
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