The Louisa bats were on fire on Thursday night, collecting nine hits in the 7-0 win over Western Albemarle. Lliam Grubbs took the mound for Louisa, coming off of a rough outing against Patrick Henry last Friday. North Carolina State commit Garrett Payne started on the mound for the Warriors.
Austin Nicholas led off the top of the first inning, drawing a four pitch walk. Seniors Matt West and Lliam Grubbs followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases. Jack McDonald drew a walk to score Louisa’s first run of the game. Tristan Snyder followed with an RBI single to right field to give Louisa a 2-0 lead over the Warriors. Payne then recorded three quick outs to end the top of the first.
Grubbs dominated the bottom of the first with strikes, only allowing one baserunner on a walk. After three quick groundouts, the inning was over and the Warriors stranded a baserunner.
With two outs in the top of the second, West recorded a single to centerfield to give Louisa their only baserunner of the inning. The bottom of the second was once again dominated by Grubbs’ strong pitching. After allowing a leadoff walk, the Warriors recorded back-to-back fielder's choices, however, the Lions still secured their 2-0 lead.
McDonald led off the top of the third with a single to left field. Courtesy runner, Caleb Turner then stole second base and was brought in to score on an RBI single from Garrett Duerson. Grubbs recorded his first 1-2-3 inning with two groundouts and a flyout to centerfield in the bottom of the third inning.
Garrett Payne recorded three quick outs for the Warriors in the top of the fourth inning, his first inning with no runner allowed. Grubbs allowed a lead off single in the bottom of the fourth inning, his only hit allowed. Grubbs continued his dominant streak with only six baserunners allowed through four innings.
Grubbs led of the top of the fifth with a single followed by a walk to McDonald. With bases loaded, senior Tyler Earley hit a base clearing double to push Louisa’s lead to 6-0. “I’ve been struggling at the plate lately,” said Earley. “I just had to get the job done. It was a big hit and it kept the momentum going.” Earley later scored on a passed ball and increased the Louisa lead 7-0. Louisa failed to score another run in the next two at bats.
Through the next three innings, Grubbs allowed two baserunners, nine strikeouts and no runs. “Lliam struggled last time he pitched against Patrick Henry,” said Earley. “He wanted to come back and get the job done.”
The Lions improve to 8-1 on the season and will face Fluvanna county on Friday night at 7:00 after the JV game. “We are going in with the same approach and hopefully have the same outcome,” explained Earley. “It’s going to be a tough game but we’re ready.” Let’s go Lions
