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By joe McCullough
Rappahannock News Special Writer
The Rappahannock Panthers put together 20 strong innings of baseball during the week only to commit two costly errors in the 21st inning and lose to the Central Falcons, 5-3, on Tuesday. But in those earlier innings, the Panthers came from behind to beat George Mason, 3-2, last Thursday, April 20, and Stonewall Jackson, 7-6, the following evening.
When the Panthers got their first-at-bat against Mason at home last week, they were already trailing 1-0. Rappahannock was retired in order, an early glimpse of what would be an uphill battle for RCHS.
In the second Danny Ellis got on base with a fielder’s choice. With two out, shortstop Julian Groves smashed a triple by the Mustang outfielders for a 1-1 tie.
Ellis, who was the Panther’s ace on the mound, contained Mason offensively; after the first inning, the Mustangs never got more than four at-bats. Most of the outs were in the infield, seven coming on strikes. Ellis had great control and didn’t give up a single walk.
The Mustangs’ pitcher didn’t do as well. With the score even at two apiece in the bottom of the seventh inning, Bill Atkins drew a walk and stole second. Mark Butler moved him to third with a sacrifice. Then Doug Smith hit the game winner into left field.
The Panthers made only one error against the Mustangs but were an abysmal five-of-24 at the plate.
On April 21 the Panthers traveled to Stonewall Jackson where they expected to complete an earlier game cancelled due to darkness. However, the Virginia High School League ruled the April 17 game a tie.
Doug Smith was on the mound for the regularly scheduled match and after a bumpy start earned his second victory of the year.
The Panthers started the game with hot bats as their first three runners hit safely. Anthony Porter knocked in the first run with a oneout single. Then Ellis scored two more on a shot into right center.
The Generals retaliated in their initial at-bat for four runs and added two more in the second for a 6-3
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