It wasn’t the world series, but it had all of the drama and build up.
Robert C. Byrd and Hampshire battled it out for a week to determine the Class AAA Region II co-final champion. Sure, Lewis County was involved but it looked like it was going to come down to the Flying Eagles and the Trojans.
The two teams locked up for the first time on May 19 and concluded play on the 26th when RCB garnered a narrow five to four win to advance to the state tournament. This past week’s win pushed the Flying Eagles out to a 22 and 10 record, capping a roller coaster ride regional.
The opening game between the these schools set the tone for the series. The Trojans took a one to nothing lead in the first inning and extended it to three to nothing in the top of the fifth. RCB would utilize the home field advantage and rally to score three in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game. With two runners on and two outs, Jaxson Maglowski came up with his first hit of the affair, a walk-off single that gave the Flying Eagles a victory that would provide a cushion.
Two days later, these teams would match up again. This time, it would take place in Nutter Fort due to the rainy conditions. Frank Loria Memorial Field has been the home to many key contests over the years and on this occasion, it was good to the visitors.
Even though it was Hampshire playing with its back against the wall in the “lose and go home” game, it was the Flying Eagles that appeared nervous. Four RCB errors helped the Trojans to several runs and a seven to five triumph. Owen O’Mara had a triple, the lone extra base hit for the Eagles.
It brought the “rubber match” into play with a winner take all contest set for Friday. The Eagles struck quickly with three runs in the first inning and another in the second. They held a four to one lead in the third when weather put a stoppage to play. This past Monday, rain kept play from resuming. Finally on Tuesday, between a break in the weather and a move back to Frank Loria, these two squads were able to do battle.
Once again, the Trojans were able to make a comeback bid, but it was the pitching of Xavier Carvelli that made the difference. Carvelli pitched the majority of the first game between these teams (all but the last two outs) but did not get the win. He allowed three runs and struck out eight batters in game one and he was looking for another chance to toe the rubber with all the marbles on the line.
Carvelli came in and threw the final five innings, giving up three runs while fanning nine Hampshire batters. For the second straight game, O’Mara had the lone extra base hit for the Flying Eagles with a double. Catcher Saveria Destito was the only multi hit performer for RCB, going two for three in the clinching contest.
Lincoln softball lost a heartbreaker in game one of the state tournament to Petersburg 14 to 12. The Cougars held a nine to nothing lead after two innings. Petersburg would score the last eight runs of the tilt to take the win. Kerstyn Liggett was three for four while Kennedy Linville, Reese bennett, and haleigh Gump each had two hits for Lincoln. The Cougars were eliminated in a nine to five loss to Independence.
Sadie Jones paced Lincoln, going three for four while Aspen Dyer was two for four in the loss. The Cougars ended their stellar campaign with a 24 and eight mark.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!
