The James River baseball team exploded for 13 runs in the first four innings and coasted to a 15-5 win over Liberty High last week. The Knights were one of the few teams to play over the spring break but the decisive win made the trip to Bedford more than worthwhile.
“It’s always a good feeling getting the first win of the year, but it feels even better when it’s the best hitting performance we’ve had in my three years at James River,” said River coach Chance Henry. “We were locked in from top to bottom just hitting the ball well.”
The visitors opened the game with three straight hits to take the lead before they made an out. That sparked a four-run first inning, followed by three in the second and six more in the third. River scored in every inning of a game that was called by mercy rule after five innings.
The Knights finished with 13 hits, including six hits and nine runs scored by the first three batters in the order. Leadoff hitter Jeremiah Mays had two hits and scored four runs while Levi Peck and Evan Byers had three hits each and both had a double. Carter Birckhead drove in four runs.
“Jeremiah Mays was fantastic in the game,” said Henry. “He worked counts, he fouled off multiple pitches and hit the ball hard a few times. Levi Peck and Evan Byers also had fantastic days at the plate. Both were on the barrel multiple times and did some quality damage.”
River ran wild on the bases, swiping seven bags. Mays led the charge with two stolen bases and five others had one each.
Evan Joyce started on the mound and didn’t allow an earned run over four innings of work. Camden Saunders pitched the fifth and allowed two runs but kept the Minutemen from prolonging the game.
“Evan was in attack mode,” said Henry. “We decided as a staff to make them beat our fastball before we threw anything else and he did a great job of being in the zone. He’s worked his butt off to be where he is as a baseball player and we’re excited for what’s in store for him this year.”
With the win the Knights even their record at 1-1 and will next take the diamond Friday at home against Radford.
“Just an overall dominating performance, can’t wait to be back out there for our next game,” said Henry. “We’re ready to roll.”
