Mason Raps Rappahannock on the Diamond

By Steve Selby
Special to the Falls Church Times
May 14, 2014

The Mustangs improved their record to 11-2 in district play with a 14-1 win over Rappahannock County, in game played on Tuesday night on Mason’s home field. Sophomore Jake Abruzzi went five innings on the mound, giving up only three hits and one walk, while striking out seven.  Mason’s 14 runs came on thirteen hits, and the Mustangs played error-free ball in the field.

After Dylan Midkiff singled for Rappahannock in the top of the first, he was thrown out by Mustang’s catcher Marsden Davis. Abruzzi struck out the next two batters to retire the side.  In the bottom of the first, left fielder Sam Selby singled to center, stole second, advanced to third on a single by shortstop Chris Meador, and scored on a fielder’s choice.  A sacrifice fly by Daniel Butler gave Mason its second run, and a Rappahannock error made it 3-0 Mason heading into the second.

Justin Trainor on 3rd base.      (Photo by: Eric Nesson)

Abruzzi got his third and fourth strike outs in a row to start the second inning, with the third out coming on a grounder to Grant Hagler at third.  In the bottom of inning, right fielder Zach Lang walked, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Selby and ended up on third after a wild pitch. Meador’s sacrifice fly gave Mason a 4-0 lead at the end of two.

Rappahannock went down in order in the top of the third.  In the Mason half of the inning, walks to center fielder Evan Davis and Butler, followed by Hagler’s single loaded the bases. First baseman Gabe Terry doubled deep to left field, driving in two runs. After Logan Nesson reached base on an error, Lang singled to drive in Terry. Selby’s single scored Nesson, making it 9-0. Four Mason doubles followed:  Meador (RBI), Marsden Davis (2 RBIs), Butler, and Hagler (2 RBIs). It was now 14-0 Mason.

Gabe Terry hits to left field.                    (Photo by: Eric Nesson)

Rappahannock got on the board in the fourth, when a walk to Evan Hitt and a single by Dylann led to a run.  In the bottom of the fourth, Davis Hagigh doubled and Justin Trainor singled for the Mustangs.  Williams singled for Rappahannock in the top of the fifth, but Abruzzi was able to close out the inning and end the game.

The Mustangs host district-leading Strasburg (12-1) on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The regular season concludes with games at Strasburg on Monday, May 19, and at home against Monroe on Wednesday, May 21.  The Conference Tournament will begin on May 26.