Greater Loudoun falls in Babe Ruth opener
By Jason S. Rufner
Under a blazing summer sun, McLean/Great Falls (MGF) bested Greater Loudoun 8-3 in the opening round of the 10-team Virginia Babe Ruth 14U tournament July 17 at Park View High School.
The Lions won the District 8 title to earn their berth, while MGF claimed the District 7 championship.
MGF's left-handed starter Brock Hunter kept the ball away from the fat part of the Lions' bats, effectively mixing a fastball, curve and changeup in tossing six strong innings, scattering six hits -- all singles -- while striking out eight.
"I think he [Hunter] is clearly one of the top players in this tournament," declared McLean/Great Falls manager Dave Roffman, Sr., noting that Hunter's older brother is a frontline pitcher for the Saxons of Langley High School.
At the plate, Hunter contributed a pair of hits from the third slot in the order, knocking in a run. Eight-hole hitter Kevin Green added a single to his two walks, coming around to score each time. Daniel Richardson and David Paul tallied a pair of runs each from the top of the order.
"We did that in the district tournament as well," Roffman said of his team's all-around offensive effort. "From top to bottom, everybody does their job."
Greater Loudoun used five pitchers in the effort to quell MGF's offense. Right-handed starter Bernie Mayflower took the loss for the Lions, allowing four runs in three innings of work. Tyler Moxley and Thomas Beauchamp each worked a scoreless inning of relief to keep Greater Loudoun within striking distance.
"We were pitching a little better in the later innings," Greater Loudoun manager Mike Mastronardi said. "The boys didn't give up, and I wanted to see that in the team."
Mastronardi gave Hunter his due.
"They have very good pitching," he admitted. "Their pitcher was excellent."
The Lions, who stranded 10 men on base, were led by Mayflower's two hits.
With the victory, McLean/Great Falls earned a day off and will take on either Lane or Summit Point July 19 at 4 p.m.
Greater Loudoun slips into the loser's side of the bracket and must defeat Williamsburg July 18 at 4 p.m. to stay alive in the double-elimination tournament.