Photo by Jenn King
Last week was a big week for Lord Botetourt pitcher Noah Medley. The junior lefty pitched a no-hitter against Staunton River, then committed to play college baseball at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C.
The Cavaliers swept two Blue Ridge District games last week, shutting out both Staunton River and William Byrd. In Moneta, Medley struck out 16 Eagles for a complete game shutout as the Cavaliers took a 5-0 win over Staunton River. Medley struck out the last batter of the game just as he reached the VHSL pitch limit, completing the no-hit effort. He walked three batters and the 16 strikeouts were a career high. Offensively, JJ Tyree and Noah Donaho had two hits each.
The Cavaliers were scheduled to play William Byrd on Friday but that game was moved up to Thursday with inclement weather in the forecast. For the second time this season LB shut out William Byrd by a 1-0 score. Medley pitched the first shutout over Byrd, in Daleville, but this time Jack Vargo was on the mound for the win. Vargo pitched five innings, giving up just two hits and fanning six. Caleb O’Quinn pitched the last two innings to pick up the save.
The only run of the game came in the top of the sixth. Noah Leonard opened with a single and courtesy runner O’Quinn moved to second on a botched pickoff attempt. O’Quinn then stole third when the base was left unattended as Vargo squared to bunt. Vargo grounded out, but Medley followed with a single to right to plate O’Quinn and that was all LB needed for the 1-0 win.
On Monday LB hosted Hidden Valley and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Titans. Leonard had three hits and Medley drove in two runs but the Cavaliers struggled with runners in scoring position. O’Quinn went five innings on the mound and took the loss with Cody McConnaughey pitching two scoreless innings to finish up.
“Caleb pitched good enough to earn the win, but we just left way too many guys on base,” said LB coach Todd Smith.
With the loss the Cavaliers dropped to 10-6 on the season and they’re 4-2 in Blue Ridge District games. LB was scheduled to host Northside on Tuesday and tonight at William Fleming in a game that was moved from Friday.
