CVCL ANNOUNCES TOURNAMENT PAIRINGS
Fuquay-Varina Twins Enter as Top Seed For 2018 CVCL Championship Tournament August 2-5 in Mocksville, NC.
The Carolina Virginia Collegiate League has announced its tournament pairings for the upcoming 2018 CVCL Championship August 2-5 at Rich Park in Mocksville, NC. The Fuquay-Varina Twins earned the tournament's top seed and winners of eleven consecutive games. The number one seed Twins will play the eighth seeded Carolina Pirates in the nightcap on Thursday, August 2. The defending CVCL Champion Kernersville Bulldogs earned the second seed and play tjhe seventh seeded Roanoke Rails in the first round at 1:00 PM. Other first round pairings include third seeded North Wake Fungo battling the sixth seeded Deep River Muddogs in the tournament's first game at 10:00 AM while the fourth seeded Catawba Valley Stars take on the fifth seed Charlotte Crushers at 4:00 PM on Thursday. For complete tournament stats and results, check back to cvscl.com.
| Game | Date | TIme | Team | vs | Team |
| G1 | Thursday, August 2 | 10:00 AM | #3 North Wake Fungo | vs | #6 Deep River Muddogs |
| G2 | Thursday, August 2 | 1:00 PM | #2 Kernersville Bulldogs | vs | #7 Roanoke Rails |
| G3 | Thursday, August 2 | 4:00 PM | #4 Catawba Valley Stars | vs | #5 Charlotte Crushers |
| G4 | Thursday August 2 | 7:00 PM | #1 Fuquay-Varina Twins | vs | #8 Carolina Pirates |
| G5 | Friday, August 3 | 10:00 AM | Loser G1 | vs | Loser G2 |
| G6 | Friday, August 3 | 1:00 PM | Loser G3 | vs | Loser G4 |
| G7 | Friday, August 3 | 4:00 PM | Winner G1 | vs | Winner G2 |
| G8 | Friday, August 3 | 7:00 PM | Winner G3 | vs | Winner G4 |
| G9 | Saturday, August 4 | 10:00 AM | Loser G7 | vs | Winner G6 |
| G10 | Saturday, August 4 | 1:00 PM | Loser G8 | vs | Winner G5 |
| G11 | Saturday, August 4 | 4:00 PM | Winner G7 | vs | WInner G8 |
| G12 | Saturday, August 4 | 7:00 PM | Winner G9 | vs | Winner G10 |
| G13 | Sunday, August 5 | 10:00 AM | Loser G11 | vs | Winner G12 |
| G14 | Sunday, August 5 | 1:00 PM | Winner G11 | vs | Winner G13 |
| G15 | Sunday, August 5 | 4:00 PM | Loser 14 | vs | Winner G14 (if necessary) |
Rails Split with Kernersville Bulldogs
The Roanoke Rails are a very young baseball team, Just eight returning players are on the 2018 roster, and there are five new coaches, including Skipper Shannan Pearson. Today, the Rails traveled to Kernersville, NC to play the mighty Bulldogs, and nearly swept both games.
Glenvar star, Matt Pulliam (Bridgewater College) was on the mound facing, Queens College's Adam Hartle for the Dogs. Both starters cruised though the first to innings.
With two outs in the third inning, the Rails Matt Whitely (Washington & Lee) singled to rightfield, and moved to second on a outfield error. Roanoke College's Dean Hermanson, drove in Whitely for the first hit of the game. In the visitors fourth the Rails struck again, starting with a Jakob Divers, lead off double. Josh Greenway (Roanoke College) singled pushing Divers to third. Booger Owens, ground ball scored Divers and the Rails had a two run lead.
In the home fifth, the Bulldogs scratched out a run. Pulliam handed to Indiana Hall after a scoreless four innings and Hall hit Michael Garvey (WSSU) with a wild pitch. An infield error allowed Gravey to score and the Bulldogs were on the board. In the sixth, Senn McQuilloan walked, stole second and third bases, and score on a wild pitch tying the game at two runs for both teams.
Adam Linkous (Concord) and Divers open up the extra innings with back-to-back singles. Linkous stole third base and scored on a wild pitch and the Rails were in the lead. Divers stole third and Owens drove in on a infield error.
Kernersville would get another run in the eighth, yet it was not enough. Cody Dean got the win in a great relief appearance. Final Rails 4 Bulldogs 3.
Roanoke Rails to hold Practice at Kiwanis Field on Tuesday, May 16
Team getting set to start the season this weekend
The Roanoke Rails will hold practice at Kiwanis Field in Salem at 7 pm as they prepare to start the season on the road this Saturday at North Wake Fungo. The Rails will be making their home debut with a double header on Sunday, May 20th.
Roanoke Rails to Hold First Practice on May 12
The Roanoke Rails will start the 2018 season with the first practice at 9:30 am on May 12th at Northside High School. The practice will be the first for new Manager Shannon Pearson. The coaching veteran is looking forward to working with the new players as well as our returning veterans. The Rails officially start the season on the road on May 19th with the first home games on Sunday, May 20.
The New Rails Skipper is Shannon Pearson
Rails to Host Junior Home Run Derby Event
3 pm, Sunday, April 29th at Waldron Park
The Roanoke Rails and the North Roanoke Recreation Association are proud to host the 2018 local event for the MLB Junior Home Run Derby on Sunday, April, 29th at 3 pm at Waldron Park. The event is a qualifier for a regional event with the winner of the 12U and 14U event representing the area. The participant's age is determine by the age of the child on July 17, 2018. The event is open to boys and girls and is free to participate.
Regional event winners will advance to the National Finals which take place during the MLB All-Star weekend. For more information, please contact Brian Brown at 540 797-8386
Above articles are from Summer 2018
Coach Sink Leaves After Five Successful Seasons
Roanoke Rails coach Jeremy Sink is leaving the Roanoke Rails after five successful seasons at the helm. Coach Sink led the Rails to a 115 wins during his tenure. He coached CVCL Pitcher of the Year Carter Brown in 2013 and Player of the year Ethan Goforth in 2017, both firsts for the organization. Coach Sink also helped guide two independent pro ball players in Stephen Ball and DJ Russ and one MLB player taken by the Oakland Athletics in Zack Kelly.
Coach Sink recently accepted an assistant coaching position with Lynchburg College, his alma mater, and will be focusing his attention to help build the program.
The organization would like to thank Coach Sink for his valuable contributions he made as the head coach of the Roanoke Rails. We wish him well, and are grateful for the efforts for helping build the success of our organization over the last five years.
Ethan Goforth Named 2017 CVCL Player of the Year
Roanoke Rails Catcher Earns CVCL's Top Honor
The Carolina Virginia Collegiate League has announced its postseason awards and a member of the Roanoke Rails earned the league's highest honor for position players. Roanoke Rails catcher and Carson-Newman standout Ethan Goforth has been named the 2017 CVCL Player of the Year. Goforth, a redshirt freshman at Carson Newman, becomes the first Roanoke Rails player to earn a Player of the Year honor.
Goforth was outstanding all season for the Rails as he anchored the middle of the Roanoke lineup. Ethan ranked among the CVCL's best in most offensive categories in 2017. Ethan led the Carolina Virginia Collegiate league in batting in 2017 with an outstanding .402 average. Goforth also ranked in the top five of the Carolina Virginia Collegiate League in several other offensive categories. Goforth ranked third in the CVCL in total hits (49), fourth in doubles (10), third in triples (2) and second in homeruns with six. Ethan also ranked in the top ten of the CVCL in both runs scored (29) and stolen bases (9).
In addition to his outstanding offensive performance, Goforth was the CVCL's superior catcher in 2017. Known for one of the league's top arms behind the plate, Gofotrth gunned down numerous baserunners throughout the 2017 season. Ethan's leadership helped guide the Rails pitching staff to one of the strongest units in the CVCL in 2017.
Congratulations Ethan on an outstanding season!
Five 2017 Rails Players Earn Spot In CVCL All-Star Game
The CVCL All-Star Game Will Be Played on Saturday July 8 at Lenoir Rhyne University. Pro-Style Workout for Scouts at 3pm and All-Star Game at 6pm. Congrats to the Following Roanoke Rails on their nominations!
First Baseman - Tyler Blevins Infielder - Adam Linkous Pitcher - Jimmy Butler
Catcher - Ethan Goforth Pitcher - Matt Henderlite
2017 Rails Putting It All Together
We are just past the half way point of the CVCL summer season and the Roanoke Rails are playing some of their best baseball yet. Currently, the Rails are 16-12 overall which is the 2nd most league wins and the 3rd best winning percentage overall, trailing only the league leading Kernersville Bulldogs and division leading Mooresville Spinners. Thanks in part to solid starting pitching, great defense, and timely hitting from the group in the Star City.
This past Saturday, the league leading Kernersville Bulldogs would come to Kiwanis Field to avenge their previous loss in North Carolina to the Rails. Game one would have undefeated Bulldog starter Tanner Routh (Guilford Tech) vs. Jimmy Butler (Hampden Sydney). Routh proved why he is also one of the best in the league, out-dueling Butler and shutting out the Rails with his hot shot fastball and sharp slider. The Bulldogs would take game one 4 to 0 behind Routh's double digit strikeout performance.
Game two, the Rails would still struggle early to score after a week layoff from competition, however, the offense came to life late. The Rails would score two unearned runs on some Bulldog defensive miscues and smart Rails base-running to knot things up at 2 in the bottom of the 6th. The game would move into extra innings where Noah Cook (VMI) would single up the middle to start the 8th. Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) would lay down what would look to be a sac bunt, however, Hermanson would beat out the throw for the infield single. Hot hitting Adam Linkous (Concord) would come to the plate, and with the infield back, Linkous moved the runners over with a perfect sac bunt. Now, with runners at 2nd and 3rd with only one out, Connor Watt (PHCC) would come to the plate. Coach Sink would dial up the safety squeeze, and Watt pushed the bunt up the first base line past the pitcher, scoring Cook from third for the walk off win and the second win in four games vs. the nationally ranked Bulldogs. Bryson Booher (Concord) got the start but ended up getting no decision on the day, while Zach Duncan (Gardner Webb) grabbed the win in relief.
On Sunday in Holly Springs, the Rails would take on the Fuquay Varina Twins. Last summer, the Twins ended the Rails season in the CVCL tourney semi-finals. Yesterday showed the 2017 Rails came to play. Roanoke would waste no time in the top of the first, jumping all over the Twins starter, amassing a lofty 9 runs before the home team could even swing the bat. The Rails would rack up 14 hits on the day including 3 by Ben Harron (Randolph Macon) and 2 RBI's. Brice Arrington (University of Charleston WV) and Ethan Goforth (Carson Newman) would both notch 2 hits a piece to go with one RBI. Adam Linkous also had 2 hits and was credited with 5 RBI's. Nic Ratliff (Bluefield), Griffin Stanley (EMU), Cook, and Hermanson all had one hit a piece, giving every player in the lineup at least one hit during the game. Matt Henderlite (Roanoke College) would continue to rack up the pitching wins, going all 5 innings giving up only 4 earned runs to go with 6 strikeouts. The Rails hammered the Twins in game one by a score of 15 to 5.
In the final game of the weekend, Seth Burris (SVU) would take the mound for the Rails and once again, the offense failed to score early in Burris' outing. Burris would give way to reliever Anthony Wertz (UVA-Wise) in the 4th and the redshirt freshman would hold down the Twins offense for the next 3 innings earning his first collegiate win. Joe Hughes (Emory & Henry) would come on in the bottom of the 7th to record his first collegiate save. At the plate, Dan Boggs (Emory & Henry) would lead the way with 2 hits. Brett Simmons (Concord) ripped a 2 RBI double. Cameron Wheeler (Randolph Macon) also ripped a RBI base hit down the 3rd base line. Connor Watt had a RBI single and Nic Ratliff added his second hit of the day. Nelson Stanley (Hampden-Sydney) helped get things going early from the lead off spot, drawing 3 walks and the Rails held on for the 5 to 2 victory.
CVCL Recognizes Henderlite as Pitcher of the Week
The Carolina Virginia Collegiate League has announced its week four awards and a member of the Roanoke Rails has been recognized.
The CVCL Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Roanoke Rails right-hander Matt Henderlite. Henderlite, a freshman at Roanoke College, threw a complete game in a June 18th away start at Eastern Division leader, the Kernersville Bulldogs. Henderlite was outstanding all afternoon as the righty allowed no runs on only one hit while issuing only one walk. The Bulldogs had only been defeated once in CVCL play before Henderlite's gem. With his win, Henderlite improves his record to 1-1 on the young season with an earned run average of 1.59 while holding opponents to a .187 batting average. Henderlite's strong start comes on the heels of a strong freshman campaign for the Roanoke College Maroons. Matt went 5-0 on the season with a strong 3.51 ERA. Matt Henderlite currently leads the Roanoke Rails in innings pitched and ranks among the CVCL's best in earned run average and opponents batting average.
2017 Rails Close the Gap
At the beginning of the summer the Roanoke Rails were still waiting on the other half of their players to show from college exams and some in the college playoffs, including a bulk of the pitching staff. Since starting 3-8, the Rails have been on a roll winning 6 out of the next 7 games including 5 straight road wins.
First, in a mid week contest with the Virginia Marlins, second year pitcher Zach Duncan (Gardner-Webb) would make his first start of the season since suffering a season ending knee injury during the spring. Duncan would allow 5 hits and only 1 earned run to go with his 3 strikeouts to earn the win. Infielder Connor Watt (Patrick Henry CC) would go 3 for 4 on the day as well as Nelson Stanley (Hampden Sydney) going 3 for 6 with 3 RBI's. Dean Hermanson (Roanoke) went 2 for 7 with 1 RBI and Noah Cook (VMI) went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's and 3 runs scored.
The Rails would hit the road for two back to back days in North Carolina with the opener being with first year expansion team the Carolina Coyotes. The Rails would waste no time getting things going as Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) doubled in the first and Tyler Blevins (Hampden Sydney) followed directly after with monster two run homerun into the trees in right center field. Goforth would go 3 for 4 on the day with 3 doubles and Blevins would go 2 for 4 with the 4 RBI's. Adam Linkous (Concord) continues to swing it well, going 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Starter Michael Mnich (Alderson Broaddus) continues to lead the way on the mound winning his second game of the year going 6.0 innings with 7 K's and no earned runs and the Rails would take care of business winning 12-4. In game two, Jimmy Butler (Hampden Sydney) would get the start and hold the home team down throwing 3.2 innings and 3 K's for the no decision on a short pitch count and Bryson Booher (Concord) would enter the game to throw 2.1 innings of relief with 2 strikeouts to record his first win of the season. At the plate, Goforth stayed hot going 3 for 3 with his fourth double of the day. Blevins knocked a double as well to keep his great day going. Donny Lewis (Convenant), Cameron Wheeler (Randolph Macon), and Hermanson would all double as well. Lewis' went for 2 RBI's and Hermanson's for one. The Rails would pick up the sweep in Ramseur winning 11 to 1 in game two.
On Sunday the Rails train would pull into visit the league leading Kernersville Bulldogs. The Rails would enter the game with an even 8-8 record, but riding a 5 game winning streak. The Bulldogs came in with a lofty 17-1 league record. Roanoke came into the Sunday opener focused, as apparent by starter Matthew Henderlite's (Roanoke) sterling performance on the mound. Henderlite would throw a complete game allowing only 1 unearned run to go with 2 punch-outs and 1 walk. The Rails would do just enough offensively, capitalizing on small ball opportunities and timely hitting. Ethan Goforth (pictured above) would continue his weekend of dominance going 2 for 4 with the game's first RBI. Catcher Ben Harron (Randolph Macon) would get the clutch go ahead RBI double in the 6th inning to provide Henderlite the only lead he would need as the Rails knocked off the league leading Bulldogs 2-1 in the opener. Game 2, runs were even harder to come by for the crew from Roanoke. Seth Burris (Southern Virginia) took the tough luck loss once again, as the tall right-hander is the most run starved pitcher on the staff only giving up 4 runs over 4 innings with 1 strikeout. At the plate, the hits were few as Donny Lewis would go 2 for 3, Wheeler would go 1 for 3, and catcher Dan Boggs (Emory & Henry) went 0 for 0 with 3 walks on the day. Five Bulldog pitchers teamed up for the shutout and the Rails would lose game two 6 to 0 to snap their 6 game winning streak. All in all the Rails had an excellent weekend and have closed the gap back to .500 baseball.
The second half of the season is closely approaching. Check back here for more Rails highlights!
Zack Kelly signed as free agent with Oakland Athletics
First Roanoke Rail taken by MLB
2017 Rails Early Season Top Performers
The season is fresh and several of the Roanoke Rails have gotten off to fast starts this summer. Currently, the boys from Roanoke post a 3-6 overall record in the CVCL. Starting pitching has been excellent to kick off the season while the bullpen is still taking it's shape. While some bats are still shaking off the rust, several are showing mid season form.
Catcher Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) has come out of the gates strong and among the league leaders in offense, amassing a Rails leading 13 hits in 28 at bats (.464). Goforth has collected two homeruns, two doubles, and one triple to go with 7 RBI's while stealing four bases. First baseman Tyler Blevins (Hampden Sydney) has been a presence hitting in the four hole, collecting 7 hits in 14 at bats for an even .500 average including one homerun, 1 double, and 3 RBI's. Utility man Adam Linkous (Concord University) has been swinging a hot bat early collecting 9 hits in 20 at bats (.450) including 2 RBI's and 2 stolen bases. Second basemen Brett Simmons (Concord University) is continuing his fast start after a strong spring ending going 9 for 28 (.321) with one homerun, one double, and 4 RBI's. Outfielder Donny Lewis (Convenant College) has been solid going 5 for 14 (.357) with one double and 2 RBI's to go with his four stolen bases.
On the mound long time Rails pitchers Zack Kelly (Newberry) and Michael Mnich (Alderson Broaddus) have returned to bolster a solid starting rotation. Kelly has started out 1-0 on the mound logging 11.1 innings with 14 strikeouts and an impressive 1.58 earned run average. Mnich is 1-0 pitching 6.0 innings with 5 K's and zero runs given up. Newcomer and starter Seth Burris (Southern Virginia University) has pitched well without run support in his first two outings going 0-2 to start the summer but still managing 7 strikeouts in 8.2 innings to match up to a 3.11 ERA. Another new face but familiar name is starting pitcher Matt Henderlite (Roanoke College) who took his first start 5.0 innings for a no decision collecting 4 K's without giving up a single earned run.
Congratulations to our Senior Rails of 2017
The day you hang up your hat for the last time is never easy. While some of these players will suit up for one more summer, most will move on into the working world to make a name for themselves as an employee, just as they made a name for themselves among the many teams, coaches, and teammates they played for over the years.
Congrats to this group of senior Rails, many who played multiple summer seasons here in Roanoke.
First let's start with senior Zack Kelly. A right handed pitcher who started his college career at Concord University before transferring to Newberry College where he was named a 1st team all SAC pitcher. He threw his best game of the season in his final regular season game, matching up with Lenior Rhyne's all SAC pitcher of year. Zack would outdual him, throwing a complete game 9.0 inning shutout while striking out 9 to earn Newberry the 3 seed in the SAC tournament. In his final collegiate season, Kelly threw 71.2 innings with 91 strikeouts, a solid 3.32 earned run average, and an impressive 7-3 win loss record. Congrats on a great career Zack!
Next, let's take a visit at Eastern Mennonite where long time Rail Griffin Stanley put up another solid year for the Royals. As a senior, Stanley started all 39 games in center field and as the lead off in the lineup. He hit .351 with 10 doubles, and 3 triples. Griff also had 23 RBI's and swiped 10 stolen bases. Congrats to Griffin and here's to one more summer of fun in the sun with the Rails.
Now, let's take a look at King University's senior relief pitcher Drew Phemister. Phemister finished up a solid career on the mound for the Tornado's. During his career, Drew compiled a whopping 55 appearances, amassing 87.1 innings of relief pitching while striking out 48 batters. Phemister has been a ground ball and double play machine for the Rails over his time where he ranks 1st all time in appearances and will further lengthen that record as he spends one more summer on the diamond in Roanoke.
Another Rails senior is Zach McNally from Southern Virginia University. McNally has done a little bit of everything both for the Knights and for the Rails, seeing time at 1st, 3rd, and on the mound. Knowing Zach, it's no surprise that he's always been a team first guy throughout his career. McNally hit .313 in his final collegiate season with 2 homeruns, 4 doubles, and a team high 37 RBI's. A great teammate to all. Congrats on a great career Zach McNally!
At Alderson Broaddus, is senior pitcher Michael Mnich. Mnich first came to the Rails as graduating senior from Lord Botetourt in the summer of 2013. Although young to the league, Mnich posted dazzling numbers from the time he first took the mound, finishing as a CVCL Pitcher of the Year Nominee in his first year. Now, fast forward to 2017 and Mnich is graduating at AB. This year he logged 52.1 innings and 4 wins to go with a 4.64 earned run average. Mnich also recorded 40 strikeouts on the season. Congrats to a long time Rail, Michael Mnich.
At Hampden Sydney where the Tigers recently finished up in the ODAC tourney, two Rails seniors finished up their careers. Catcher Ryan Peevey and utility man Joey Sutphin. Peevey got the nod early in the season as a designated hitter before going back behind the plate to catch. Ryan played in 16 games as a senior recording 7 RBI's. Congrats to Ryan! Joey Sutphin found his way moving throughout the defense until he settled in the outfield. Sutphin played in 25 games and hit a whopping .386 for the season, being one of the hottest hitters down the stretch into the playoffs. Sutphin hit one homerun, 5 doubles, and a triple with 20 RBI's. The triple coming in the ODAC tournament where he recorded an RBI to give HSC a chance late vs. Roanoke. Congrats to Joey on a great career!
At UCal of Pennsylvania, catcher Joe Yourgal, who put up one of the top statistical offensive summers in Rails history in 2016. Yourgal was the Rails Offensive MVP where he broke the single season records for games played (45), hits (49), runs scored (31), RBI's (35), and homeruns (7). In his final season at UCAL of PA, he made his biggest impact on the mound going 3-0 with a 2.19 earned run average with 15 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. Yourgal still recorded 17 hits with 2 homeruns and 10 RBI's in 32 games played. Congrats to Joe!
At Ferrum College Jo Stickney finishes up a career behind the plate for the Panthers. Stickney hit .279 while playing in 29 games, hitting 2 homeruns and 8 doubles to go with 14 RBI's. He also threw out 4 of 9 base runners. Congrats on a great career Stick.
Last but not least, the only senior still active is Devin Cassity at Roanoke College. The Maroons are hanging on after knocking Randolph Macon from the ODAC tourney last night in an extra inning game. Cassity, the speedy outfielder who returned this year after a serious shoulder injury last season, found time as a designated hitter getting time in 10 games and hitting .333 including a double and 3 stolen bases. Congrats to Devin!
This was a special group of players who collectively put up some of the best numbers the Rails organization has ever seen, but most importantly, all of these gentlemen were great teammates first. Congrats again to all of you and best wishes in the future!
Above articles from Summer 2017
RAILS MAGICAL RUN FALLS JUST SHORT
After winning 8 out of their last 10 regular season games and a franchise record of 30 regular season wins, the Roanoke Rails headed to Mooresville, North Carolina on August 4th as the five seed in the eight team CVCL tournament. The match ups had been set previously when the 7 versus 10 and 8 versus 9 had play in games on Tuesday. The Rails would draw the fourth seeded Catawba Valley Stars in round one and once again the pitching match up between Rails ace Troy Beckner and Rails nemesis the Stars Seth Birdsong took flight. Once again, Birdsong would put the Stars on his back and out duel Beckner for the second time this season. Griffin Stanley would generate the only run when Ethan Goforth scored on Stanley's RBI single. The Rails would lose 3-1 and make their way to the loser's bracket after only scattering 5 hits versus Birdsong, with one each by Stanley, Brett Simmons, Zach McNally, Nic Love, and Ethan Goforth.
Game two sent Rails veteran Michael Mnich to the hill to keep the season alive versus the Deep River Muddogs. Mnich didn't disappoint as he threw 6 innings of shut out baseball. What's even more impressive is the only hit Deep River could muster came from a first inning, lead off infield single that was virtually a slow rolling, swinging bunt to third. Mnich didn't walk a single batter and struck out 7 over his 6 innings of work. Kellen Larkin finished up the 7th, three up and three down to end the game. At the plate, Griffin Stanley led the way again, going 3 for 3 with double and two runs scored. Nic Ratliff, who has been swinging a hot bat all season, went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. Patrick Love once again began to heat up just in time for the tournament, collecting two hits including a double. Brett Simmons and Ethan Goforth both had two hits a piece, while Dean Hermanson, Nic Love, and Tyler Blevins all collected one hit a piece, totaling 14 hits for the Rails in their 9-0 win to end the Muddogs season.
Game three brought the two seeded Kernersville Bulldogs to take on the Rails. The Bulldogs once again were a very successful regular season team, winning a league high 39 games. Today, the boys from Roanoke had other plans. Jimmy Butler, once again took the hill after beating Kernersville on a Monday night several weeks prior. Butler was dominant early, producing several fly ball and ground ball outs, as well as a couple strikeouts. He would hold the vaunted Bulldog lineup down long enough for the Rails to get things going offensively. In the second, Patrick Love staked Butler to a 1-0 lead, smacking a double that scored Ethan Goforth. Kernersville would answer and tied the game in the bottom of the fifth.
The Bulldogs continued pecking away by taking the lead in the bottom of the sixth, chasing Butler from the game and bringing in Rails closer Drew Phemister to put out the fire. Now, the Rails were into their final at bat. The Rails got things going quickly with two walks by Patrick Love and Brett Simmons. After two attempts to move the runners, Stanley answered the bell and sent an RBI single to right field bringing home Love to tie the game. Rails slugger Joe Yourgal blooped a single over the infield to move Simmons to third and Stanley to second. The rally was on and next up to the plate was Rails short-stop Dean Hermanson With runners at 2nd and 3rd, Hermanson squared to bunt on a safety squeeze, a foul ball resulted in the first strike. Once again, Manager Jeremy Sink put the squeeze on trying to score the go ahead run. Hermanson squared and placed a bunt that rolled just a hair foul down the first base line, and he returned to the box with only one more strike to give. Dean then proceeded to knock the next pitch into the gap scoring both Simmons and Stanley to give the Rails a 5-3 lead. Phemister would give up an unearned run in the bottom of the 7th but eventually induced a fielder's choice for the final out at second and the Rails would end the Bulldogs season for the second year in a row and advance to the semifinals that afternoon.
Now in the heat of the day, with temperatures in the mid 90's, the Rails would face the Fuquay Varina Twins who were quietly putting together an impressive tournament run of their own, after having to win a play in game to make the tournament as the seven seed. The Rails would call on Ryan Brewer who had put together some of his best outings of the summer in the last couple weeks. The Twins had other plans, and were already red hot after sending home tournament host and the number one seeded Mooresville Spinners just 30 minutes before the first pitch versus the Rails. Fuquay stayed sharp and scored two runs in the first, and two more in the third to chase Brewer, who gave way to Kellen Larkin. Larkin worked the next two innings and gave up one run before Phemister came on to finish up the game in the 6th and 7th to hold the Twins at five runs. Down to their final at bat, long time Rails veteran Nic Love led off the inning. Love ripped a single into left field for his final career at bat to jump start a Rails rally. Speedy pitcher, David Allen came in to pinch run for Love and Ethan Goforth singled moving Allen to second. With runners at 1st and 2nd, Tyler Blevins smoked a double, just inches from leaving the park off the top of the fence in right center field to score Allen and moved Goforth to 3rd base. The RBI by Blevins was all the scoring the Rails could muster and the magical Roanoke run was over.
Congrats to Michael Mnich and Griffin Stanley on being named to the CVCL All-Tournament team. Congrats to Joe Yourgal to being named Roanoke's Offensive MVP for the season. Congrats to Troy Beckner on being named Rails Pitcher of the Year. Special congrats to Nic Love and Patrick Love on their successful baseball careers from Staunton River High School, Eastern Mennonite University, and the finish with the Roanoke Rails.
On behalf of the Rails organization, Thank you to all our players, parents, loyal fans and supporters.
Rails In Playoffs
Dominic Couci of the Lenoir Oilers is a one person wrecking ball. The rising Saint Joseph’s of PA Sophomore is leading the CVCL in most offensive categories and has won a league high six wins on the mound. Today, the Roanoke Rails witnessed the bat part of his skills of Mr. Couci’s resume.
Lenoir’s ballpark is a cozy little place, in fact it is the home run friendly park in the league. Facing an excellent hitting team in a small park was not the best scenario for left hander Troy Beckner (Concord) on this particular way. Excellent all year, Beckner walked into a storm of runs.
In the home first inning, Couci got in the swinging early, belting a two run home run and that was not all. Couci also ended the game in the game in the fifth, cracking a three run bomb ending the ballgame 12-0. Brett Simmons’s (Concord) lead-off single in the Rails first inning was the only hit of the game for Roanoke, and Ryan Vargo was masterful on the mound for Lenoir.
Game two was all Rails, featuring another superb outing by pitcher Mike Mnich (Alderson-Broaduss). Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) started the ball rolling with a one out single and Nat Ratliff (Bluefield College) lashed a double, scoring the Rails speedy shortstop. In the top of the fourth, Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) worked a one out walk and Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) reached on walk of his own. Veteran utility Zach McNally (SVU), who has put together an amazing summer, stepped in the batter’s box and delivered his first home run in a Rails uniform, stretching the Rails lead to 4-0.
Mnich was spectacular, allowing two earned runs, eight strikeouts, one walk, and just five hits over six innings. Drew Phemister (King U) finished off the Oilers in the seventh and got the save.
The win pushed the Rails into the fifth seed in the CVCL year ending tournament in Mooresville, North Carolina, facing the Catawba All-Stars at 4:00pm on Thursday, August 4th and Moor Park.
Rails Sweep Three Nine Inning Games
Poised For A Playoff Run
rPrior to last weekend, the Rails were trailing in the chase for a CVCL playoff berth. There only hope was to win three games in a row and vault themselves into the race for the championship. On Saturday, mission one stood before the Rails, defeat the Carolina Pirates, on the road, in a nine inning game with the temperature nearly one hundred degrees.
The Rails Michael Mnich (Alderson-Broaduss) faced Ryan Beck on an uneven pitching match-up. Coming off his shortest appearance of the season, Mnich had something to prove when he hit the mound.
I didn’t take long to stake Mnich an early lead. Brett Simmons (Concord) worked a lead-off walk, followed by a Nic Ratliff (Bluefield State) single. Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) ripped an RBI single, scoring Simmons and snatched the lead for the visitors. MVP candidate Yourgal drove in two more runs in the top of the fourth inning, scoring Simmons and Griffin Stanley (EMU) to extend the Rails lead to three runs.
Mnich was strong throughout the afternoon scattering three hits, allowing just one earned run, one walk, while striking out ten batters in just seven innings. The lefty-righty two punch combination of David Allen (Roanoke College) and closer Kellen Larkin (UVA-Wise) slammed the door on the 6-2 victory.
On Sunday, the Rails faced the Deep River Muddogs in North Carolina, and the story would mostly the same as the previous day.
RHP Ryan Brewer (EMU) and his devastating split-finger fastball made the Dogs howl for mercy all afternoon.
The Dogs jumped out to a quick two run lead in the first on a home run by first baseman Christian Snider (UNC-Pembroke), and the Rails needed to get to work. Zach McNally (SVU) singled and scored on a walk to Griffin Stanley to get the Rails on the board in the second inning.
Deep River owned a 3-1 lead into the fourth until the Rails kicked into overdrive. Simmons drove in Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) in the fourth and Ratliff double in Simmons, Nic Love (EMU) was hit by a pitch, scoring Stanley and McNally knocked an RBI single to scored Ratliff giving the Rails a 5-3 advantage.
The Rails tacked on two more runs in the seventh and Brewer (7 hits, in 7 innings, 3 runs, 4 strike outs, and one walk) handed the ball to the Rails pen. Kellen Larkin once again answered the call and shut down the hungry dogs, with Drew Phemister (King University) striking out the final batter.
On Monday, would have to face the fearsome Kernersville Bulldogs in a must win game for Roanoke. With Troy Beckner (Concord) getting the ball for the Rails, I liked our chances. A candidate for CVCL Pitcher of the Year, Beckner is the ace of the Rails staff.
In the visitors second, the Rails took an early three run lead. Love took a one out walk and back-to-back infield errors by the Dawgs filled the bases. Goforth scored Love, Simmons scored McNally and the speedy Bryson Booher (Concord) and the Rails were in command.
The Dawgs scored on an infield error to notch a run in the fifth, but Beckner finished the inning strongly. The Rails played right back to the Dawgs, answering back with two runs on RBI singles by Griffin and Ratliff, establishing a 5-1 lead. In the late innings Beckner gave way to the bullpen finishing with 8 2/3 innings, 2 earned runs, 8 strike-outs, and 2 walks. Phemister closed to hatch with a strikeout and the Rails took the victory 5-4.
Starting on Saturday and twenty-seven innings later, the amazing Rails, with five more league games to play in the season, I like the chances of this club doing some serious damage in the CVCL tournament.
Roanoke Goes Off The Rails in Mooresville
Following a week cursed by rain and more rain, the Roanoke Rails motored down to Mooresville, North Carolina for a twin bill with the Mooresville Spinners. Moor Park has not been a friendly place to visit for the Rails over the years, and true to form, Sunday was no exception.
Lefty Troy Beckner (Concord) would face Spinners right hander Konoa Hironaka (Winston-Salem State) in a game one battle of the top flight pitchers. Hironanka, a native of Hawaii, was far from his home, but made himself comfortable pretty early on.
Through the innings neither team could score despite several opportunities. The seven inning game turned to extra innings as both teams unable to score a runner. Hironaka and Beckner both exited in the seventh inning with a clean slate. Beckner allowed six hits, struck out eight and dealt one base on balls, and Hironaka limited the Rails to two hits, with four strikeouts and no walks.
Trace Hagler (UNC-Penbroke) got the ball for the last two innings and Kellen Larkin (UVA-Wise) was on the mound as the game into the ninth inning. Both pitchers pitched scoreless inning in the eighth, and Hagler stopped the Rails in the ninth in order.
Luke Jackson doubled leading off the ninth, and Barrett Hennings singled immediately. Drew Phemister (King University) came in from the bullpen in hopes of staving off the uprising, but it was not to be. TJ Richardson’s walk off base hit ended the game. The 1-0 loss lowered the Rails league standings to below .500.
Game two would feature more scoring, but the same outcome. Michael Mnich (Alderson-Broaduss) and the Spinners Corbin Easter would be on the bump for the nightcap.
The Rails struck first on a base hit by second baseman Brett Simmons (Concord) and a RBI double down the right field line by Chris Wastchak (Cal U of PA). Nic Ratliff’s (Bluefield College) lead of single in the visitors second started a fire. Patrick Love (EMU) reached on an error and Zach McNally (SVU)walk to load the bases. Adam Linkous (Concord) single to score Ratliff and a sacrifice fly by Simmons scored Love, giving Mnich an early three run lead.
Minich was solid until the fourth, when Andrew Meadows knocked the first pitch he saw that inning over the fence, drawing the Spinners closer to the lead. In the home fifth, the Spinners struck again. Mnich came out of the game after issuing a walk and two singles. David Allen (Roanoke College) who came in place of Mnich, gave up a three run double to Luke Jackson, ripping the lead from the Rails, who were now two runs behind.
In the top of the seventh, the Rails mounted a comeback. Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) was hit by a pitch, and Zach McNally doubled off the wall scoring Goforth, however, that was the only run they could push across the plate.
The Rails will be back in Salem on Wednesday, July 13th with a double-header starting at 5pm against Rise Up Baseball.
Rails Cage Bulldogs​
Rails down Kernersville on the Road
Following a 1-3 weekend, the Roanoke Rails needed to get back on the tracks. Two, one run loses to the North Wake Fungo’s on Sunday dropped the Rails several spots down in the standings and Rails pitcher, right hander Jimmy Butler (Hampden-Sydney) and DH Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) produced the solution to that sinking feeling, as Roanoke hosted the Kernersville Bulldogs.
Caleb Edwards, a lefty from Mars Hill University was on the mound for the Bulldogs, and like Butler, finished his Freshman season prior to his joining the his CVCL team. The scoring began in the top of the second when Patrick Love (EMU) singled and Joey Sutphin’s bunt, two out single. Griffin Stanley ripped an RBI single to center, scoring Sutphin, and grabbing a one run lead.
In the visitors fourth, the Rails exploded. Nic Love (EMU) doubled to start the inning, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and brother Patrick knocked him home. Stanley singled, Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) singled Patrick Love home, and Chris Wastchak (Cal U of Pa) walked the bases. The Rails leading hitter, Joe Yourgal, collected an RBI and the inning just kept going. Ethan Goforth’s (Carson Newman) sacrifice fly gave the Rails a five run cushion and Nic Love’s second double of the inning moved that number to seven runs.
The Bulldogs put together a run in the bottom of the forth on an error and a wild pitch, however, Butler continued to cruise through Kernersville vaunted line-up.
In the sixth, Yourgal blasted a solo home run to extend the lead to eight. Yourgal would have four hits in five at bats on the evening, with two RBI’s, and his four home runs tops the CVCL so far this season.
The Rails conjured up another run late in the Bulldogs mounted a walk laden rally in the ninth, but it was not enough. Butler went seven innings allowing two walks, four hits and zero earned runs. Fittingly, Yourgal closed out the game on the mound fanning two to close the book.
The Rails are indeed back on the tracks, and heading to games on Wednesday in Martinsville, a double header at home on Friday, and a double header with Rise Up Baseball on the road on Saturday.
Rails Split Weekend
1-1 vs Kernersville and 1-1 vs Charlotte
Coming off a Thursday night trashing of the Piedmont All-Stars the Rails were flying high into the weekend. The Rails got a three hit night from Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA), a three run home run by Ethan Goforth and a two run double from Paul Williams and outstanding pitching from Jimmy Butler (Hampden-Sydney) and Spencer Hoyt (King U) to propel them into a double bill with the dangerous Kernersville Bulldogs.
Rails ace Troy Bechner (Concord) shut out the Bulldogs for five innings, and led off the home second with back to back to back singles by Chris Wastchak (Cal U of PA), Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) and Nic Love (EMU). Wastchack scored on a wild pitch from Dogs starter Broderick Rierson (Pfieffer College), and Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) ground ball plated Hermanson, and Love crossed the plate courtesy of a two out single from his brother, and EMU teammate Patrick Love.
Throughout game one the Bulldogs continued to string together hits and runs. Unfortunately, a error by the catcher in the seventh left the Rails on the short side of a 4-3 final.
Game two would feature the resurection of Rails pitcher Michael Mnich. Mnich did not play last season, taking some time away from the game. Fast foward to Saturday, and the Mnich of 2013 was large and in charge.
Bulldog's righty Seth Brim dueled with Mnich pitch for pitch until the bottom of the third when Griffin Stanley (EMU) reached on a error and Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) mashed a towering two run home run over the left-centerfield wall, throwing a two spot on the scoreboard.
Kernersville put together a run in the fifth on singles by Kory Shumate (Elon) and Braxton Shetley (GTCC), and that was their only run in game two. Ratliff's clutch base hit RBI scored Joey Sutphin (Hampden-Sydney) extended the Rails to 3-1, and Mnich went all seven frames to pick a four hit, no walk, four hit masterpiece, harkening back to his 2013 amazing season.
On Sunday, the new look Charlotte Crushers came to town with a new and improved roster. The lid lifter of the doubleheader. Ryan Brewer (EMU) got the start for the Rails and Bryan Garcia (Vernon College) was on the bump for the Crushers.
Charlotte drew first blood in the second inning on hits by Daniel Barrett (St. Andrews U), Tyson Petersheim (Loch Haven) and a double by Tyler Fuller (SCC) giving the Crushers a two run lead. In the bottom of the frame Stanley and Patrick Love drew back to backs walks and it was Ratliff who starting the Rails scoring, sending Love home with an RBI single. Stanley scored on a past ball and the game was tied at two.
In the fourth, Nic Love (EMU) got on with a leadoff walk and Ethan Goforth ripped a line drive two run bullett over the left-centerfield wall, his first round-tripper as a Rail. The Rails picked up another run in the fifth, with a Yourgal one out single and a bases loaded walk scoring the Rails DH. In the sixth the Ratliff and Yourgal show took a curtain call. Ratliff set the table and Yourgal lifted a mamouth home run to left crossing over Sixth Street and landing in a large tree.
Brewer pitched an excellent five innings with five scattered hits, one base on balls and one earned run. David Allen (Roanoke College) and Drew Phemister closed up the 7-2 win in style.
Game two was a whole other matter. This game belonged to Crusher righty Bruce Bell (U of Pikesville) and the Crushers running game. Barrett's one out double got the ball rolling and an infield error scored Barrett and the Crushers were not done yet. Two more runs crossed the plate and the Rails were down early in the game.
Patrick Love and Stanley both reached on a couple of infield misplays in the bottom of the third with one out. Love stole second base and a shortstop error advanced Love home notching one run for the Rails.
The Crushers added an insurance run in the seventh when a Garrett Mack (Voorees College) tripled in Miles Moore (Bucknell U), but the Rails would not successfully mount a come back, falling in the night cap 4-1.
Bell was dominant in his 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing just three hits and one bases on balls. Jonathon Jacks (Carson-Newman) got the save in one inning of relief.
Coming off a Thursday night trashing of the Piedmont All-Stars the Rails were flying high into the weekend. The Rails got a three hit night from Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA), a three run home run by Ethan Goforth and a two run double from Paul Williams and outstanding pitching from Jimmy Butler (Hampden-Sydney) and Spencer Hoyt (King U) to propel them into a double bill with the dangerous Kernersville Bulldogs
Rails ace Troy Bechner (Concord) shut out the Bulldogs for five innings, and led off the home second with back to back to back singles by Chris Wastchak (Cal U of PA), Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) and Nic Love (EMU). Wastchack scored on a wild pitch from Dogs starter Broderick Rierson (Pfieffer College), and Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) ground ball plated Hermanson, and Love crossed the plate courtesy of a two out single from his brother, and EMU teammate Patrick Love.
Throughout game one the Bulldogs continued to string together hits and runs. Unfortunately, a error by the catcher in the seventh left the Rails on the short side of a 4-3 final.
Game two would feature the resurection of Rails pitcher Michael Mnich. Mnich did not play last season, taking some time away from the game. Fast foward to Saturday, and the Mnich of 2013 was large and in charge.
Bulldog's righty Seth Brim dueled with Mnich pitch for pitch until the bottom of the third when Griffin Stanley (EMU) reached on a error and Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) mashed a towering two run home run over the left-centerfield wall, throwing a two spot on the scoreboard.
Kernersville put together a run in the fifth on singles by Kory Shumate (Elon) and Braxton Shetley (GTCC), and that was their only run in game two. Ratliff's clutch base hit RBI scored Joey Sutphin (Hampden-Sydney) extended the Rails to 3-1, and Mnich went all seven frames to pick a four hit, no walk, four hit masterpiece, harkening back to his 2013 amazing season.
On Sunday, the new look Charlotte Crushers came to town with a new and improved roster. The lid lifter of the doubleheader. Ryan Brewer (EMU) got the start for the Rails and Bryan Garcia (Vernon College) was on the bump for the Crushers.
Charlotte drew first blood in the second inning on hits by Daniel Barrett (St. Andrews U), Tyson Petersheim (Loch Haven) and a double by Tyler Fuller (SCC) giving the Crushers a two run lead. In the bottom of the frame Stanley and Patrick Love drew back to backs walks and it was Ratliff who starting the Rails scoring, sending Love home with an RBI single. Stanley scored on a past ball and the game was tied at two.
In the fourth, Nic Love (EMU) got on with a leadoff walk and Ethan Goforth ripped a line drive two run bullett over the left-centerfield wall, his first round-tripper as a Rail. The Rails picked up another run in the fifth, with a Yourgal one out single and a bases loaded walk scoring the Rails DH. In the sixth the Ratliff and Yourgal show took a curtain call. Ratliff set the table and Yourgal lifted a mamouth home run to left crossing over Sixth Street and landing in a large tree.
Brewer pitched an excellent five innings with five scattered hits, one base on balls and one earned run. David Allen (Roanoke College) and Drew Phemister closed up the 7-2 win in style.
Game two was a whole other matter. This game belonged to Crusher righty Bruce Bell (U of Pikesville) and the Crushers running game. Barrett's one out double got the ball rolling and an infield error scored Barrett and the Crushers were not done yet. Two more runs crossed the plate and the Rails were down early in the game.
Patrick Love and Stanley both reached on a couple of infield misplays in the bottom of the third with one out. Love stole second base and a shortstop error advanced Love home notching one run for the Rails.
The Crushers added an insurance run in the seventh when a Garrett Mack (Voorees College) tripled in Miles Moore (Bucknell U), but the Rails would not successfully mount a come back, falling in the night cap 4-1.
Bell was dominant in his 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing just three hits and one bases on balls. Jonathon Jacks (Carson-Newman) got the save in one inning of relief.
Rails Split Weekend​
The Roanoke Rails are on a roll. Thursday evening the Rails dispatched the reigning CVCL Champions, sending the Catawba All Stars home to Hickory with two two losses in two games. Today, the Rails hit the road for a another double dip, this time, with the Carolina Pirates, and Coach Jeremy Sink brought his broom once again.
Michael Mnich (Alderson-Broarduss) had the ball for his second start of the season, and RHP Rickey Rice (St. Augustine U) got the start for the Bucs.
Both pitcher's spared for the first two innings yielding no runs on the board. In the top of the third, Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) drew a walk to begin the inning and Cal Vulcan teammate Chris Wastchak blasted a triple to dead center field scoring Yourgal and posting a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom half Aaron George (William Peace) singled to open the inning and scored on Daniel Washburn's (NC Wesleyan) ground out to get the Pirates on the scoreboard.
In the fifth, it was again Yourgal who started a rally with a lead off base hit to center. Wastchak reached on an infield error, followed by a two out walk to Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College). Dean Hermanson's single up the middle scored Yourgal, and Griffin Stanley's RBI single brought Wastchak at the plate for a 3-0 lead for the Rails.
Taylor Williams (Lenior Rhyne) leadoff double in the bottom of the sixth and Chris Adelfio's (Wake Tech) in the park home run closed the gap to 3-2.
In extra innings, both teams struggle to score until Nic Love opened the tenth inning with a single. Griffin Stanley's (EMU) triple scored Adam Linkous (Concord) running for Love, and gave the Rails the lead. Patrick Love (EMU) launched a sacrifice fly to score his EMU teammate Stanley and the Rails where now ahead 5-3.
Kellen Larkin (UVA-Wise) came in the bottom of the inning and shut the door on the Bucco's and earned the save. David Allen (Roanoke College), Drew Phemister (King U), and winning pitcher Trevor Mullins (Concord), held the lead through the middle innings limiting the Pirates to no runs.
In game two, Zach Duncan (Gardner-Webb) made his Rails debut and was the recipient of two runs to start the game. Stanley, the catlyst of the Rails offense, walked to get the scoring going and Nic Ratliff singled as Stanley dashed to third. Yourgal singled and plated Griffin and Ratliff and the Rails were off and running, following Duncan's scoreless inning.
Mitch Custer (U of Charleston WVA) took the mound and navigated through three scoreless innings, surrending no hits, one walk and one strikeouts. In the fourth the Rails picked up another run when Zach McNally (SVU) knocked in Joey Sutphin (Hampden-Sydney) for a three run cushion.
In the home half of the fifth, the Pirates came alive. Washburn wacked a RBI double, and an Adelfio base hit scored Daniel Huff (Emory and Henry) pulling the Pirates within one run of the lead.
In the seventh, the Rails engineered an additional security run courtesy of a Stanley walk and a Ratliff double.
The Pirates did not go down easily in the final frame, however, Phemister took care of business and closed the game, set and match. The 6-1 Rails are a combination of eight veterens and twenty new players that are clicking early in the season, producing the best win-loss numbers in the CVCL. It's nice up here at the top!
Rails Brush Off Stars in Sweep!
The last time the Catawba All-Stars were in town they left with the CVCL Championship trophy in hand. On Thursday night, the Roanoke Rails served notice on the Champs that their winning streak in Salem is abruptly over.
RHP/C/DH Joe Yougal (Cal U of PA) would face the Stars Alex Jarvis (Savannah State) in a classic pitcher's duel.
In the sixth, Joey Sutphin (Hamden-Sydney) bashed a lead-off single, Stanley laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, and Patrick Love (EMU) walked to load the bases. DH Joe Yourgal drove a line drive double towards the left-center scoreboard scoring both Sutphin and Love.
​Rails Split With Fungo
Creating a new expansion team in the Carolina Virginia Collegiate Summer League is no easy task. The North Wake Fungo arrived a tad late for the game today and were sorting out their uniforms minutes before the National Anthem was played at Salem's Kiwanis Field today. The Roanoke Rails, coming off a 6-1 winning opener in Greensboro, were ready to go with righthander Ryan Brewer (EMU) on the bump.
The Fungos wasted little time to get on the scoreboard, taking advantage of an outfield error, a single by Justin Dean (Lenoir-Rhyne) and a sacrifice fly form Vinny Bailey (Chowan) scoring Dean. In the third, Caleb Coyle (Wake Tech) doubled in the gap and Brad Mize's (Lenoir-Rhyne) bounced a ground ball through the infield to post a two run lead for the Fungo.
By the seventh and final inning the Rails were down 8-0, and were in need of a rally, and fast. Tyler Blevins (Hampden-Sydney) answered the call with a one out double and his second hit of the game. Zach McNally (SVU) singled to right, and moved Blevins to third. Adam Linkous (Concord) beat out an infield hit and his fellow Mountain Lions teammate Brett Simmons scored Blevins from third with a clutch base hit. Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) stepped to the plate with two runners on and pulverized a soaring three run home run clearing the Kiwanis Field scoreboard. Sadly, the Rails came up short and fell to the Fungos 8-5.
Mike Mnich (Alderson & Broaduss) was on the bump in game two, and the Rails were behind three runs at the get go. Singles by Garrett Wise, Zach Cooper (Chowan) and Jordan Maye (Louisburg) greeted Mnich in the first inning night cap, and all three scored. In the home first, lead off hitter Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) reached on a infield hit, Ratliff and Chris Wastchak (Cal U of PA) drew walks, and DH Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) singled to right, plating Hermanson.
North Wake picked up two more in the top of the second and one run in the third and the game started to feel like game one all over again. Adam Linkous scored on a wild pitch in the second to cut into the Fungo's lead, but the Fungo added another talley in the following inning.
Roanoke College lefty David Allen was brilliant in the middle innings shuting down the Fungo hitters throughout, as the Rails trailed 6-3 in the bottom of the fifth.
In the fifth, Blevins drew a four pitch walk from reliever Matt Hobgood (Wake Tech) and Lucas Nowlin also received a free pass to start the inning. Brett Simmons threw down a perfect bunt and scored Blevins. Catcher Ethan Goforth singled to left and brought Nowlin home to inch closer to a tie score, at 6-5.
In the bottom of the sixth Yourgal smacked a one out single to right and Blevins doubled him to third. Nowlin lofted a long sacrifice fly to score Yourgal and the game was tied at six runs apiece. Again, it was Simmons who authored a key hit knocking a base hit to right as Blevins crossed the plate.
Yourgal got the ball in the bottom of the inning sending the Fungos down in order and sealing the Rails first win at home this season. Allen penned his first win as a Rail and Yourgal picked up the save. Final score Rails-7 Fungos- 6.
Rails Smoke Greensboro Reds 6-1 in Opener
The Roanoke Rails opened their season in Greensboro against the Greensboro Reds last night and are off to a roaring start. The game was kind of quasi-warmup for the league opener with the North Wake Fungo’s, one of three new expansion teams entering the CVCL this season.
EMU’s tall right hander Ryan Brewer got the start in his is debut with Roanoke, and did not surrender a run in three innings of work. Former CVCL Pitcher of the Year consideration, Mike Mnich (Alderson-Broadass), returned to bump after missing last season, and blanked the Reds in the fourth and fifth striking out three.
In the third, Dean Hermanson (Roanoke College) got the bats going with an opposite field single to right, a stolen base, and scored on Zach McNally’s (SVU) RBI single up the middle. Meanwhile, the Rails hurlers kept the Reds off the board in the middle innings.
Joe Yourgal (Cal U of PA) singled to start the fifth, Paul Williams (Concord) worked a base on balls, and Tyler Blevins (Hampden-Sydney) employed some nice strategic bat magic and plated Yourgal with a well- placed ground ball to the right side of the infield. Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) reached on an error by the Red’s shortstop and scored Williams to give the Rails a 3-0 lead.
Concord’s Trevor Mullins and David Allen (Roanoke College) delivered shutout performances, in their maiden voyage with the Rails, snuffing out the Red’s as the night grew longer. In the sixth, catcher Ethan Goforth (Carson-Newman) walked to opening the inning, followed by walks by Pat Love (EMU) and Adam Linkous (Concord), loading the bases for Chris Wastchak (Cal U of PA) who took a fastball in his lower back in exchange for a RBI, and a five run cushion for the Rails.
Nic Love (EMU) scored Blevins with a sacrifice fly and with a six run lead, Coach Jeremy Sink brought in the closer. Drew Pemister (King University) allowed a single run to the Red’s, late in the game, thanks to a plate umpire who would benefit from an emergency appointment at LensCrafter’s at the mall. The Rails take the opener 6-1 and Drew’s umpire is presented with a dog, sunglasses and a fond farewell.
The Rails 2016 facelift includes twenty first season players and a solid core of veterans. Five high school pitchers have been carefully selected to lead the future of the Rails rotation for years to come. LHP Spencer Hoyt (King University), RHP Mitch Custer (University of Charleston WVA), RHP Zach Duncan (Gardner Webb), RHP Baily Hall (EMU), and RHP Bryson Booher (Concord) bring high level high school success and are in the midst of the high school playoffs currently.
Well into the 2016 Baseball season, the Roanoke Rails players and recruits continue to help their teams with an eye on the post season. Griffin Stanley (above) is putting together a solid season for Eastern Mennonite University, posting .365 batting average from the lead-off spot, driving in twelve runs and swiping six bases. Nick Love is off to a great start in a platoon situation at first baseman for the Royals, knocking in seven runs and batting a gaudy .440.
The struggling California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans are off to an uneven start, but new Rails Chris Wastchak and Joe Yourgal are pulling their wait. Wastchak is hovering around the .300 with the bat and is second on the team in RBI’s with twelve. Yourgal leads the team in home runs with three, while fielding .980 as the Vulcans everyday catcher.
Back to the ODAC conference, Coach Matt McGuire’s Maroons rolled all over a tough Shenandoah University club this weekend. Freshman shortstop Dean Hermanson (William Byrd HS) earned the starting job and is producing a nice first season. Hitting .263 with six RBI’s, Hermanson’s glove and strong, accurate arm will be a welcomed addition to the Rails infield. Two Maroon Freshman and Rails recruits, pitchers righty Chase Henry (Lord Botetourt HS) and lefty David Allen (Greensville County HS) are contributing to an improved Roanoke bullpen.
Hampden-Sydney First baseman Tyler Blevins is making some noise in Freshman year. The Pulaski County High School star and Rails recruit has already collected twelve hits, nine RBI’s, and a .375 batting average in limited at bats.
Brett Simmons (Franklin County HS) is also off to a good start at Concord University. The Mountain Lions starting shortstop as a Freshman, the Callaway, VA is hitting .243 on a team peppered by Rails recruits including, LHP James Wood, OF Adam Linkous, RHP Trevor Mullins and featuring Troy Beckner the Rails lefty who, along with starter Harry Richards (Roanoke College), eliminated the vaunted Kernersville Bulldogs from the CVCL playoffs last summer
Rails Players catching fire early for their schools
The college baseball season is just beginning, yet Rails players and recruits are making themselves known to baseball fans everywhere.
Rails workhouse, starting pitcher Zack Kelly has already rolled-up three wins, and no defeats for the UNC Newberry College Wolves this season. Boasting a 3.13 ERA, Kelly has spun thirty strikeouts in just twenty three innings and is well on his way to a great season. Up in the DC area, Marymount righty Sean O’Connell is also off to a quick start grabbing the Saints first win of the season with a five inning, three hit, seven strikeout, performance .
At the plate, the Eastern Mennonite quartet put up strong numbers, led by Griffin Stanley with seven hits, three RBI, four stolen bases, and a .368 average to start his season. Last season’s Rails RBI leader Pat Love scored six runs in four games for the Royals, brother Nick Love is batting .333 with three RBI, and Rails newcomer Dan Scott made his first college hit a RBI single for EMU.
Traveling northbound to Pennsylvania, new Rails Chris Wastchak and Joe Yourgal of California University of PA came roaring out of the gates this weekend against Walsh University. In the four game set, Yourgal produced seven hits, two home runs, five RBI, fourteen total bases, and a batting aveage of .538. Wastchak, an all-division selection as a Freshman, knocked a home run, five hits, four RBI, and nine total bases for the Vulcans.
Brian Brown named new Managing Partner for Rails
Brian Brown
Articles Above are from Summer 2016
Taz McDole Resigns as GM and Managing Partner after 8 seasons with Roanoke Rails
"When I was asked to help start the Rails 8 years ago, I could never imagine what it would mean to me. I must sadly move on at this time but I've left the team in good hands. To all the parents and coaches like head coach Jeremy Sink and former player and head coach Matt Cox I want to say thank you. To the numerous people behind the scenes, Dennis, Gary, Mike, Jon, Brian, and Becky, I thank you. To all the players past, present, and future, I thank you all for your support. I would not have been able to help build the program without you. I will see you all on the diamond and once again thank you for everything." -Taz McDole
Taz, Thank you for your years of service to the Roanoke Rails!
RAILS WIN TWO, ELIMINATED IN THE SECOND BRACKET FINAL TO TWINS
The Roanoke Rails finished the regular season with a bang, sweeping a double header from Carolina Pirates and capturing the fifth seed in the CVCL post season tournament. The Rails would also have a distinct home field advantage throughout the playoffs as, for the first time. Both Kiwanis Field and Lewis Gale Field (home of the Salem Red Sox) were pressed into service to handle the nine team tournament field.
With rain clouds above, the Rails drew the powerful Catawba Valley All-Stars in game one. Both teams would have their ace on the mound Zack Kelly (UNC-Newberry) and Ben Sheckler and rangy left-hander from Cornerstone University in Michigan.
The scoring started early in this tilt, marked by a three run, opposite field home run by Stars first baseman Gillaume Gingris (St. Johns U) scoring Trent Porter (West VA State) and Chris Brown. Lucas Nowlin’s (Roanoke College) solo homer, off the top of the scoreboard, in the top of the second inning got the Rails offense going in the right direction.
Down two runs, Rails center fielder Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) and right fielder Luke Setzer (Catawba) worked a walks in the top of the third inning, bringing Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) to the plate. Elliott, one of the most prolific clutch hitters in Rails history did not disappoint, launching a mammoth three run homerun high into the right center field net to move the Rails into the lead.
Following Elliot’s blast, the Stars would start the next half inning in a curious manner. With a stead, light rain falling Gingris stepped into the batter’s box, poking his foot in the dirt as if he was testing the temperature of a hot bath. The umpires congregated on the field and the decision was made to suspend the game and pick it up again in the morning, thus throwing a damp blanket on the Rails momentum.
When the game resumed the following day, the Stars did not wait around to score. Gage Parham’s (Gardner-Webb) two run, fourth inning double put the Stars on top for good. The 6-4 loss would move the Rails into the loser’s bracket facing the shorthanded Carolina Pirates and possibly elimination.
Henderlite and the Love Brothers
Take Down Pirates
Martin Henderlite (Lynchburg College) has always been a big game pitcher for Roanoke and the Rails season was on the line Friday afternoon against the Pirates. Andrew Miller (Davidson College) took to the mound for the Pirates in this well contested game.
Both hurlers blanked their opponents for the first three innings, both teams missing early scoring opportunities. In the top of the fourth, the Pirates grabbed a two run lead on two costly infield errors and a single by Cullen Cicotte (Chowan U). Undaunted, Henderlite soldiered on.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Rails made their move. Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) scored on Ryan Peevey’s fielder’s choice ground ball and Pat Love’s (EMU) bases loaded base on balls quickly tied the game.
The game would go to the bottom of the sixth tied at two runs apiece, and Miller would give way to lefty reliever Ben Brann (Barton College). Nic Love (EMU) drew a four pitch walk to lead off the inning and Peevey laid down a perfect bunt to move Love into scoring position. The younger Love brother Pat also walked and Evans beat out a bunt and Griffin Stanley (EMU) (who pinch ran for Nic Love) scored. Christian Sanderson’s (Randolph-Macon) ground out plated Pat Love to give the Rails a solid two run lead.
Henderlite sent the Pirates down in order in the seventh and also sent the Bucs home with a 4-2 loss, pitching the Rails to a date with second seeded Kernersville Bulldogs for an evening elimination game.
In 2013, the Rails made a unlikely run in the CVCL post season, knocking off most of the league’s top team during their journey. In the final game of that tournament, the Rails fell to an imposing Kernersville team which featured an abundance of talent including a strong pitching staff and a MVP Triple Crown winner. Today, Coach Sink and the Rails had a chance for a little payback.
Richards and Beckner
Send Kernersville to the
Doghouse
Rails right hander Harrison Richards (Roanoke College) was more than ready to tackle the challenge and Kernersville’s starter Seth Brim (GTCC) had shut down Roanoke several weeks ago, and had to be pretty confident of his chances as well.
The pitcher’s on both sides held court for the first two innings, Richards striking out the side in the bottom of the second inning. Second sacker Pat Love demolished a Brim offering to the deepest part of the ballpark and cruised into third with a lead off, stand up triple in the third inning. Evans well placed bunt scored Love to post the first run of the game.
In the fourth inning, Nowlin managed a two out walk and Cal Hodgert’s (Roanoke College) single would move his Maroon teammate into scoring position. Nic Love drove a line drive single to center field, scoring Nowlin and delivering an important insurance run and a two run lead for Richards and the Rails.
Chase Mitchell (UNC-Pembroke) led off the Kernersville fifth with a walk and was moved into scoring position by a Kory Shumate (Elon U) sacrifice bunt. Chris Corbett (Rollins U) singled and Austin Stilley (Catawba) drove Mitchell home with a single of his own.
Richards was brilliant on the mound for the Rails, yet tired late in the game. Lefty reliever Troy Beckner (Concord), who is the only straight from high school (William Byrd HS) player on the Rails roster, entered the game with two outs in the fifth inning and the bases loaded. Ice water in his veins, Beckner induced lefty batter Marcus Shoemaker (Lenoir-Rhyne) to loft a harmless end of the inning fly out, to squelch the uprising.
Schumate and Stilley led off the seventh inning with back to back singles, however, Beckner remained resolute dispatching the next three batters and collecting a hard earned save and a win for Richards.
Lincoln Evans is the only Rails player remaining on the roster from the 2013 tournament team who were stopped by the Kernersville Bulldogs. His two hits and run batted in had to been sweet for a player who will be hard replace year.
Twins End the Rails Season
With the Rails progress to the loser’s bracket final, the team had one more hurdle to scale; The number seeded Fuqua-Varina Twins. The Twins looks like a football team rather than a baseball team. Loaded with a lethal top to bottom lineup, the Rails had a tough task to complete.
Zack Kelly would be on the mound for the Rails on short rest and crafty lefty Daniel Batts (UNC-Pembroke) would bring his array of breaking pitches and a well located fast ball.
The Twins notched the first run of the game. Chris Power (Methodist) reached on an infield error, Brian Taylor (Campbell U) singled, Kevin Alvarez (Averett) walked and Kyle Asher (Indiana-Southeast) scored Power with a sacrifice fly to start the scoring. In the top of the second, Nic Ratliff reached on an error and crossed the plate after Pat Love’s second long triple of the tournament, tying the score.
In the bottom of the second, the Twins exploded for five runs, the major blow being a huge grand slam bomb from the bat of Brian Taylor. An Evans triple combined with a Sanderson sacrifice fly notched the second run for the Rails. The Rails would score again in the fourth inning another sacrifice fly by Sanderson scored Ratliff who singled earlier in the inning. Pat Love would score on a wild pitch in the sixth inning, ending the Rails run total.
For the rest of the game, the Twins had their way, including a monstrous home run for Alvarez which landed on Indiana Street and was last seen ordering a cheeseburger at the Electric Road Hardees. The final score was a 14-4, ending the Rails season.
RAILS SINK PIRATES...TWICE
3-1 AND 5-3
Roanoke Rails right hander Easton Riggs (Ferrum College) seems to get better and better as the season winds down. This three-year Rails veteran is a reliable starter and a key player in the team’s playoff run. Today, as usual, Rigg’s put the Rails in a great position to sweep the Carolina Pirates in this final doubleheader of the regular season.
The home team Pirates struck first, grabbing the lead on a Trey Hogan (William Peace U) one out double and an infield error allowing Hogan to score. The Rails quickly tied the score in the top of the second inning on Nic Love’s (EMU)double of his own, and a Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) RBI single.
For most of the game, Kerry Walker (Barton College) and Riggs battled each other, each shutting out the other team for nearly five innings. Riggs would work six inning allowing four hit and one earned run and Walker would give up six hits, while striking out six and surrendering just one earned run.
Tied a one run apiece, the teams moved to the seventh inning with the game in the balance. Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) reached second base on an outfield error to lead off the inning; Cassity was issued a walk when Coach Jeremy Sink went to his bench for a pinch hitter. Cal Hodgert (Roanoke College) who had lost a few weeks of play, paid immediate dividends, launching a clutch, pinch hit double to score both runners and creating a two run cushion for the Rails bullpen.
Once again, it was Drew Phemister (King U) who threw the Pirates overboard with a one-two-three seventh preserving the 3-1 victory.
In the nightcap, the Rails broke in to their emergency pitcher box and deployed corner infielder Zach McNally (SVU) as the game two starter. McNally does not have an overwhelming fast ball or array of secondary pitches; however, he does do a great job of hitting his targets and varying his speeds. In short, he is effective and smart on the mound.
The Rails jumped on Pirates starter Ben Braun (Barton College) early and often, scoring two quick runs in the first. Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) started the game with a walk and Pat Love (EMU) promptly doubled, scoring Evans. Braun fired a wild pitch passed Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) moving Love to third, and Sanderson’s sacrifice fly would plate Love with the Rails second run.
In the bottom of the inning, the Pirates did some damage of their own. Josh Allan’s (Cazenovia College) single, a walk to Hogan and a two run double by Will Cunningham (Barton College) tied the score at two. Back came the Rails in the top of the third. Nic Love worked a one out walk, and Ryan Peevey (Hampden-Sydney) moved Love into scoring position with a nice piece of situational hitting, bringing Cassity to the plate. As he did in game one, Cassity laced a single to center scoring Love for the second time today.
In the bottom of the third a Cunningham lead-off single and a well-placed sacrifice bunt by DJ Wasburn (NC Wesleyan), moved Cunningham into scoring position. Shawn Montren (Barton College) blasted a single up the middle to tie the game going into the fourth inning.
Hodgert singled to open the frame, moved to second base on an infield out and scored on Ryan Peevey’s single to left field to break up the tie. An Evans single and Pat Love’s line drive single would score Peevey staking the Rails to an important two run lead, and a chance of a sweep.
Expanding on his use of non-pitchers on the mound, Coach Sink called upon outfielder Christian Sanderson to channel his high school mound persona for two innings. The Randolph-Macon product pitched two and two-thirds innings conceding just one hit, struck out two, and no runs. Once again, Carolina would have to face certain doom in the bottom of seventh. Drew Phemister threw just eleven pitches to eradicate the final two batters and the sweep was in the bank.
With the timely return of Hodgert and pitcher Harrison Richards, the Rails are hitting on all cylinders at just the right part of the season. Playing at home in the playoffs, you have to like the Rails changes in the year end tournament which opens on August 6th at Kiwanis Field and Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium.
RAILS DESTROY DEEP RIVER
WITH 17 HIT ONSLAUGHT
Under threatening skies, the Roanoke Rails traveled to North Carolina for an important CVCSL East tilt with the Deep River Muddogs. While the weather would not be a factor, the Rails rained down their best offensive effort of the season, showering the Dogs with seventeen hits.
Rails righty Martin Henderlite (Lynchburg College) was truly dominant on the mound last night, pitching five full innings and allowing just one hit, one run, one base on balls, and striking out six. Deep River’s starting pitcher Bryce Keziah (NC A&T Pasquotank) would not fare as well.
Nic Ratliff’s (Bluefield College) solo homer, to the deepest part of the ballpark, staked the Rails to an early one run lead, while Henderlite trampled upon the Dog’s lineup. Keziah matched Henderlite pitch for pitch until the top half of the sixth inning, when the wheels came off his Keziah’s wagon.
Jack Elliott (Hamden-Sydney) reached on an error to start the rally, a single by Ratliff and an RBI single Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) scored Elliott. Nic Love (EMU) roped an opposite field double scoring Ratliff. Nowlin would also score on the second Muddogs error of the inning allowing Zach McNally (SVU) to reach base. Pat Love (EMU) drove in the final run of the inning with a two out single plating McNally.
In the seventh Montgomery Kirby (Louisburg College) took the mound for the Dogs, but he would not derail the onslaught. Leading 5-1, the Rails stage a massive two out uprising to break the game wide open. Nowlin worked a walk, Nic Love singled to centerfield and McNally’s single to leftfield scored Nowlin. Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) was struck by a pitch and Griffin Stanley (EMU) singled driving in Nowlin.
Pat Love drove in McNally, Luke Setzer (Catawba) knocked in Love and Griffin to lifting the lead to nine runs.
Pat Love added an RBI single, scoring Cassity (who singled to open the frame)in the ninth to top off the slaughter, securing a 11-2 victory. Drew Phemister (King U), Kyle Goddard (CNU) and Troy Bechner (Concord) allowed just one run in four innings of work, proving that they are the best three man bullpen combination in the league.
The Rails have cemented the fifth place seed in the upcoming CVCSL tournament and hope to replicate the 2013 run which found Roanoke in the league’s final game. A franchise record seventeen hits is a pretty good start for their post season journey.
BULLDOGS BITE RAILS
4-3 and 4-0
Roanoke Rails right hander Zack Kelly has been a hard luck pitcher during his recent summers. An injury curtailed his first season with the Rails and a lack of run production has marred the two seasons which followed. Today, it was business as usual for the UNC-Newberry transfer.
Kernersville Bulldogs pitcher Duncan Everett (Pfeiffer U) looked to pen a strong outing this afternoon as the two right handers squared off on the Kiwanis Field mound. In the top of the second inning, the visitors struck first. Bulldog’s second baseman Marcus Shoemaker’s (Lenoir-Rhyne) leadoff single was followed by two consecutive bases on balls. Ben Temple (Surry CC) lifted a run scoring sacrifice fly to score Shoemaker and grab a quick one run lead.
Everett and Kelly dueled through the middle innings allowing no runs, until the top of the sixth. Shoemaker singled to open the frame, Zach Mickalski (GTCC) doubled and Christian Tripplet (NC Central) worked a walk to load the bases and prompt a Rails pitching change. Drew Phemister’s (King U) 0-2 pitch flew towards the right field corner and rebounded off the foul pole. Fortunately (for the Rails), the home plate umpire called the jolt a foul ball. Kernersville fans, players, and coaches were rightly upset with the call, but batter Matt Orth (GTCC) was undaunted, lining a two run double into the left-centerfield alley.
Down 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the Rails were down to their three outs. Jon Munn (Lynchburg College) led off the seventh with a base hit and Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) lined a one out single into centerfield to increase the Rails hope. Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) blast to left centerfield nearly caused an outfield collision as the ball popped out of Brandon Ford’s (CVCC) glove, and Munn wheeled across the plate. Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) blistered a single to left scoring the fleet footed Cassity and Evans to tie the game 3-3.
The game moved to extra innings and in the tenth Shoemaker capped is four hit game, singling in Austin Stilley (Catawba) to give the Bulldogs the lead. The Rails failed to score in the bottom of the inning, losing a toughly fought battle 4-3
Game two showcased another pitcher’s duel between the Rails Easton Riggs (Ferrum) and Seth Brim (Surry CC). Both hurlers were in complete control through the first four innings, Riggs striking out the side in the second and Brim allowed just three scattered singles.
In the top half of the fifth inning, Rails went off the track. Orth misplayed double to lead off the inning, Chase Mitchell (UNC-Pembroke) walked and Tripllet’s two RBI single to left broke up the shutout. Run producing singles from Kory Shumate (Elon University) and Stilley would provide a four run lead for Kernersville and end the scoring both team. The Bulldogs doubleheader sweep was a tough pill to swallow, yet ,as the playoffs loom, the Rails have to encouraged with the strong pitching that marked both games.
Kernersville second baseman Marcus Shoemaker had six hits in eight at bats in the two games. Perhaps someone should anonymous airline ticket to a sunny destination for the week of this year’s tournament. Bon Voyage Marcus!
RAILS TAKE THREE OUT OF FOUR THIS WEEKEND!
With just a few weeks before the CVCSL playoffs, the Roanoke Rails have reached a pivitol part of their schedule. The team’s trailing the Rails in the league standings (the Carolina Pirates and the Deep River Muddogs) would be in town this weekend and Roanoke needed to get right down to business.
The Pirates were Saturday’s opponent at scenic James River High School. The game would showcase a strong mound match-up between Martin Henderlite ( Lynchburg College) and Carolina’s ace, UNC-Greensboro’s Chad Sykes.
The Prates got on the board early and snatched a first inning lead on a double from Jared Kehagias (NC Central), scoring Nic Debo (Brunswick CC). Sykes pitched through the first two innings unscathed, then ran into some trouble in the bottom of the third.
Catcher Jack Elliott’s (Hampden-Sydney) leadoff single to right field was followed by a Pirate infield error allowing Nic Ratliff (Bluefield State) to reach base. With two runners on base, Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) mashed a two run double into the left-center field alley to grab the lead for the Rails. As Sykes and Henderlite dueled through the middle innings, the game remained a tight contest.
In the home half of the fifth, things began to broke open. First Baseman Nic Love’s line drive single up the middle started the party and Jon Munn’s (Lynchburg College) crushed home run over the center field fence posted a two run lead for the home team. Reliever Kyle Goddard (CNU) squashed a final inning Pirates uprising by inducing an around the horn double play to secure the save and a 4-2 victory.
Straight from a good showing at Catawba, Tre Allison (Catawba) hit the hit in game two and was equally impressive. The Rails offense wasted no time, scoring four runs in their first at bat. Walks to Pat Love (EMU) and Luke Setzer (Catawba) and a two out RBI base hit by Nowlin opened the scoring. Munn delivered a clutch double to give the Rails a three run league, scoring Nowlin and Ratliff. Ryan Peevey (Hampden-Syndey) shot a single over the second base bag to add another big run in a huge four run inning.
The depleted Pirates (just nine players made the trip) fought back immediately scoring four runs of their own, home runs by Daniel Washburn (NC Wesleyan) and Shawn Montren (Barton College) highlighted the rally.
The Rails poured on the runs in the bottom of the second inning without producing a hit. One dropped third strike, six walks, and two batters were hit by a pitch in the inning, yielding five more runs for the Rails. Pat Love’s double into the left centerfield gap started the third inning for the Rails and Ratiff’s RBI single easily scored the speedy Love.
Zach McNally (SVU) relieved Allison in the fifth and, the erstwhile third and first baseman, did his Mariano Rivera imitation and shut out Carolina allowing just one hit and striking out three. A Lincoln Evans double in the sixth inning scored Griffin Stanley (EMU) for the Rails final run, closing out an 11-4 victory and a crucial late season sweep.
Today the Rails had an opportunity to play in Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium on Lewis Gale Field for another important Eastern Division doubleheader against the Deep Water Muddogs. The Dogs are in third place in the division, trailing the second place Rails by four games.
Rails ace right hander Zack Kelly (UNC-Newberry) took the mound facing McKinley Stansberry, a right hander from Lenior-Rhyne University. Like the steamy atmosphere, the bats would be hot for both teams today.
Deep Water shortstop Cody Ezzell’s (Lenoir CC) single scored North Greenville University teammates Josh Black and Foley George to kick off the scoring in the first inning. In the bottom of the inning, Jack Elliott’s sacrifice fly would score Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) and a single by Jon Munn (Lynchburg College) scored Luke Setzer (Catawba) and Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) to give the Rails a two run lead.
In the bottom of the second the Rails continued to pile on the runs. Elliott doubled to right field to start the inning and scored on Munn’s second RBI single of the game. Ratliff, who singled earlier in the inning, was plated by Nic Love’s base hit to left field opening up a four run lead for the Rails.
Christian Sanderson’s line drive, two out single in the home fifth scored Evans and Steve Klaiber (UVA-Wise) providing with a commanding four run lead. Kelly, would struggle with his control throughout the afternoon, walking five, however, he battled through several innings and kept the Rails in the lead.
Troy Beckner (Concord) was, once again on his game, working one and a third innings, the lefty yielded no hits and struck out two while closing the game.
Game two was a tense pitching duel between Roanoke’s Easton Riggs (Ferrum College) and Deep River’s KJ McAllister (North Carolina A&T). Both starters threw four shutout innings, until the top of the fifth. Riggs opened the inning by hitting Trey Byrd (St. Andrews) and issued back to back singles to Tiger Andrews (St. Andrews) and Josh Black. In all, the Dogs scored five runs in the inning and Sean O’Connell (Marymount) replaced Riggs on the mound.
McAllister was dominant through the game, throwing strike and keeping the Rails off balance throughout. His pinpoint pitch location strayed in the sixth when he drilled Munn in the head with a fast ball. Shaken, Munn left the game and Luke Setzer pinch ran for his teammate. Setzer would score on a single by Ryan Peevey (Hampden-Sydney) for the only run of the game for the Rails. Peevey, a catcher, threw out three runners trying to steal this weekend and is heating up with the bat, a nice addition to the line-up.
The Rails had a successful weekend posting three wins in four games and remain in second place in their division. Jon Munn is uninjured and will continue to knock in runs for the rest of their 2015 season.
Rails Upended by Spinners
9-4 and 6-5
When last in Mooresville, North Carolina, the Roanoke Rails were sent home from the playoffs due to a suspect officiating and a deluge of biblical proportions. Saturday, under cloudy skies, the Rails experienced a less soggy return to the scene of the crime.
Martin Henderlite (Lynchburg College), the pitcher of record in last year’s soaking was the game one starter against last year’s league champions. Following a scoreless first inning, the Spinner’s struck first on solo home runs by Markel Jones’s (Brunswick CC) and Derek Perry (Liberty U).
In the top of the second, Pat Love’s (EMU) two-run double scoring Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) and Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) tying the score at two runs each. However, Mooresville tacked on another three runs in the bottom of the inning to establish a commanding three run lead.
In the fifth, Nick Love (EMU) singled to open the inning and eventually scored on a double play ball and Luke Setzer’s two out single and pulled the Rails within one run of the Spinners. Once again, the bottom half of the inning would be unkind to the visitors. A barrage of Mooresville singles mounted to three more runs and the game was out of reach for the boys from Roanoke. Final score Spinners 9 Rails 4.
Game two began with a bang. Anthony Brunetti’s (U of Charleston) first inning, three run homer put the Rails in a sudden hole. Rails starter Easton Riggs (Ferrum) shrugged off the rocky start and shut out the Spinners over the next three innings.
Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) drew a one out walk in the third inning and was driven home by Pat Love’s second home run of the year. A Setzer single kept the rally going, and Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) scored Setzer with a game tying single. Pat Love was at it again in the fifth, leading off with single to left. Setzer then stepped to the plate and smashed and two run homer over the center field wall to provide a two run lead for the Rails.
The Rails entered the bottom of the sixth with a two run lead and nightmares of last year’s robbery suddenly appeared. Rails Troy Beckner (EMU) who was cruising along in two innings of relief, fell into a barrel of home town umpiring, charged with four walks and, left the mound with the game tied at five.
Kyle Goddard (CNU) worked the seventh for the Rails, struck out the lead-off hitter Derek Perry who reached on a dropped third strike. Danny Sullivan (Gardner-Webb) singled and Perry scored on Colton Chapman’s (Presbyterian) walk off single.
The officials spun us around once more, but thankfully, the playoffs are in Salem this year.
FINALLY!
Rails Defeat the Piedmont All-Stars 2-1
The Piedmont All-Stars are not a member of the Carolina Virginia College Summer League, but they do like to beat up on teams from that league on occasion. Based in Martinsville, the All-Stars have defeated the Roanoke Rails eight times with no defeats, over two seasons and have a roster filled with talent and depth. Tonight, the Rails made their first step to even the score.
With Coach Jeremy Sink taking a well-earned family vacation, Coaches Jimmy Love and Steven Ball would guide the Rails in an evening, nine inning game at Kiwanis Field. Right hander Tre Allison (Catawba)was on point, shutting out Piedmont for the first 2 and 2/3 innings, and yielding no hits to the powerful All-Star line-up, with Sean O’Connell (Marymount) getting the last out in the third inning.
At the plate, Nick Love (EMU) reached base on an infield error, driving in Luke Setzer (Catawba) who walked earlier in the third inning, to post a one run lead for the Rails in the second.
In the third inning, Piedmont’s Sammy Miller (Longwood College) doubled and scored on a Dylan Sligh (Danville CC) single, tying the score at one run for each team. Lefty Troy Beckner (EMU) quickly stop the bleeding, striking out the next three batters to end the inning. Beckner held Piedmont down from the mound pitching two innings striking out four and surrendering just one hit.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, it was again Love who came up big, drilling a two out single to left field, and scoring on Paul Williams’s (Concord) gap seeking double to recapture the lead for Roanoke.
As it was all evening, the rest of the game hinged on the depleted Rails bullpen. Easton Riggs (Ferrum), was perfect in his one inning stint, collecting two strikeouts in the sixth. Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) normally an outfielder, blanked the visitors in the seventh, and Drew Phemister (King U) terminated the All-Star’s quickly in the eighth.
Kyle Goddard (CNU) wrapped up the save in the top of the ninth to secure the win for the Rails. Coaches Love and Ball were pushing all the right buttons tonight and both did a sensational job with a short roster and a strong bullpen. The curse is now over and Piedmont is good, but no longer unbeatable.
Rails Split Weekend With
Crushers and Pirates-Sunday
The Roanoke Rails battled the Carolina Pirates in the comfy confines of James River High School on Sunday, with mixed results. Kiwanis Field (The Home of the Rails) was unavailable on Sunday, therefore, the Rails would play the first of two doubleheaders (this season) in beautiful Buchanan.
Botetourt County’s Zack Kelly (Concord) was on the mound for the Rails which usually spells doom for the visiting ball club, and this afternoon’s game one would follow suit. After Kelly dismissed the Pirates on six pitches in the top of the first, the Rails immediately thanked their hurler with a run in the bottom of the inning. Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) took a lead-off four pitch walk from Pirate starter Christian Gonnelli (UConn-Avery Point), stole second base, and scored on Christian Sanderson’s (Randolph-Macon) single up the middle.
In the second, Cal Hodgert (Roanoke College) knocked a base hit to left field and moved to third base on a sharp Nic Love (EMU) double. With two out in the inning Sanderson lined another single to score both runners and give the Rails a three run lead.
Kelly cruised along until the visitors half of the fourth when the Pirates mounted an uprising. A walk by Chris Martinez (Emory & Henry) and singles by Dillon Stewart (Brunswick CC), Nic Debo (Brunswick CC), Jacob Cagle (North Carolina Central), Shawn Montren (Barton College), Cullen Cicotte (Chowan U, and great, great nephew of White Sox star pitcher Eddie Cicotte), tied the score at three runs apiece.
In the home half of the fifth the Rails rose again. A Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) single, two infield errors and a very timely double by Pat Love (EMU) put the Rails in the driver’s seat with a three run lead. Kelly went the distance gaining his third win of the season.
Game two was a disaster. With none of the Rails starting pitchers available, Coach Sink went to his bullpen and fashioned a starter by committee as did the Pirates.
The Rails struck the first blow with a first inning off-the-wall double by Luke Setzer (Catawba) scoring Sanderson and added a second run when Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) singled, stole second base and scored on another Setzer two-bagger. Evans would score again on a Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) single in the fifth.
As for the rest of the game, don’t ask. Ten Pirate hits (including four doubles), four Rails errors, and a perplexing infield fly rule non-call , turned the game into some Barnum and Bailey might promote. Final score; Rails 3 Pirates 13 Umpire 0 in six innings. Somewhere, Eddie Cicotte is smiling.
Rails Split Weekend With
Crushers and Pirates-Saturday
If the Roanoke Rails were to post an employment ad it might read “Wanted Pitchers, experience preferred. “ During the off-season the Rails reloaded their pitching staff, filling some needed spots and retaining the arms from last year’s roster. Recently, several pitchers have left the team for various reasons, leaving Roanoke in somewhat of a bind. With four games this past weekend, Coach Jeremy Sink had a tall order to fill on the mound.
Ferrum College right hander Easton Riggs was pressed into action on Saturday against the Charlotte Crushers and did not disappoint. Riggs, the winning pitcher for the Rails league opener in May, took on Logan Sales (U of Pikeville) in a close contest on the Crusher’s home field.
Daniel Barrett’s (Limestone College) two out single, scoring Bryan Garren (SW Tenn CC) put the Crushers on the scoreboard with a one run lead in the bottom of the second. Nick Love’s (EMU) lead-off single in the top of the third and Christian Sanderson’s (Randolph-Macon) opposite field RBI single would knot the score, scoring Love.
The Crusher’s put together two more runs in the fourth, opening up a two run advantage for the home team. Jack Elliott’s (Hampden-Sydney) run scoring, sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning would bring Sanderson around score, however, the Rails would fall short, losing to the Crushers 3-2. Riggs went four strong innings and new addition, lefty Troy Beckner (Concord) worked two hitless and scoreless innings, striking out four.
Pitcher Tre Allison shook of the rust from his redshirt year at Catawba in game two and pitched his best game of the season for the Rails.
Lead-off batter Griffin Stanley (EMU) opened the scoring right from the get-go, turning a first inning base of balls into the Rails first run due to an infield error by the Crushers. In the home third, Garren would score on a Seth Breasseale’s (Barton College) RBI, game tying single, which would be the only Crushers run of the nightcap.
In the top of the fourth, Elliott started the inning with a single, followed by a single by Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College). Lucas Nowlin’s sacrifice bunt moved the runners over to second and third as Pat Love (EMU) came to the plate. Somewhat struggling with the bat this season, Love lined an opposite field single to right field scoring both runners.
Allison, who threw an impressive 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit, gave way to Sean O’Connell (Marymount) who tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. Kyle Goddard (CNU) pitched a perfect seventh inning to slamming the door on the Crushers, and securing an important split in Charlotte.
William's Grand Slam Carrys
Rails To Catawba Sweep!
Coming off a heartbreaking mid-week, tight doubleheader loss to the league leading Mooresville Spinners, the Roanoke Rails had something to prove on Saturday morning at Kiwanis field. Harrison Richards (Roanoke College) was the game one starting pitcher, facing All-Stars ace, 6’8” lefthander Ben Scheckler (Cornerstone University). Richards (who experienced a few rough outings in recent weeks) had the magic today, dispatching the All-Stars quickly in inning one.
Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) reached on an error in the bottom of the inning, racing to second base on an errant throw. Luke Setzer (Catawba) drove Scheckler’s first pitch into centerfield, scoring Sanderson staking the Rails to a one run lead. That one run would be all that Richards would need going forward.
The game settled into a good old fashion 1-0 pitching duel until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Rails put together back-to-back-to-back singles by Sanderson, Setzer and Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney). Shortstop Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) squeeze bunted in the Rails second run of the day. Designated Hitter Jonathan Munn (Lynchburg College), ripped a single down the right field line to plate Setzer and Elliott and the rout was on. Cal Hodgert (Roanoke College) singled to keep the inning going and scored on Lincoln Evans’s (Lynchburg College) two RBI single, driving in Hodgert and pinch runner Devin Cassity (Roanoke College).
The 7-0 shutout was Richards’s at his best, allowing just three hits to a powerful Catawba lineup over five and two thirds innings. Iron man Drew Phemister emerged from the bullpen to yield just one hit over one and a third, to secure the shutout win.
Game two would feature Rails starter Zack Kelly, CVCSL “Pitcher of the Week” for week six. Kelly was sharp, striking out three in the first three innings and yielding no runs. In the home half of the third, the speedy Devin Cassity legged out a gap seeking double and scored on Jack Elliott’s single. With Luke Setzer (fielder’s choice) and Elliott on base, Nic Ratliff lined an opposite field home run into the right field net providing the Rails with a four run cushion.
Kelly cruised into the fifth inning with a four run lead and began to tire. A walk to Kingsley Alacron,a base hit by Michael Hawks (Maryville College) and a single by Jonny Abbadusky (Cornerstone) put Catawba on the scoreboard for the first time on the afternoon. Kelly gave way to Drew Phemister who would make his second relief appearance on the day. At innings end, the Rails and Catawba were tied up 4-4, proving that Phemister is indeed human.
In the top of the sixth, with Kyle Goddard (CNU) on the mound (replacing Phemister) third baseman Gage Parham (Gardner-Webb) delivered a booming home run over the left field scoreboard to give the All-Stars a commanding three run lead. Rails lefty Alec Brown (SVU) would put out the fire and close out the inning and sit down the All-Stars, in order, in the top half of the seventh.
Down to their last breath, the Rails entered the bottom of the seventh needing three runs to tie and four runs to win, facing Jeremy Coburn (Lenior-Rhyne) who had already thrown well over one hundred pitches
Rails Sweep Mountaineer’s 7-0 and 5-2, behind Kelly and Elliott.
Kelly Named CVCL "Pitcher of the Week"
Despite a lack of run support and an abundance of faulty fielding, Rails right hander Zack Kelly has been one of the best hurlers on the Rails pitching staff this season. On Sunday, the Lord Botetourt High School product shut down the Montreat Mountainers with impunity, striking out seven while taking a no-hitter very deep into the contest.
Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) roped a single to left field in the home first, followed by a walk to Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon), setting up what would be a strong inning. Unfortunately, a lightning bolt flashed across the skies over Kiwanis Field prompting a thirty minute rain delay as the players sought cover. When the game resumed, Luke Setzer (Catawba) smacked a sharp base hit over the second base bag to load the sacks and Nic Ratliff (Bluefield) picked up a RBI with a walk to put the Rails ahead. Slick fielding third baseman Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) doubled down the left field line boosting the Rails lead to three runs against the visitors from North Carolina.
The Rails were right back at it in the second inning, when a booming four hundred foot double off the bat of DH Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) glanced off the light pole in right centerfield scoring Evans and Setzer (again) opening up a five run advantage for the Rails. Kelly continued to cruise through the Montreat lineup, featuring an excellent change-up and perfect pitch location.
In the bottom of the sixth, Ratliff picked up two more runs batted in, singling Pat Love (EMU) and Evans to post a seven run cushion for Kelly, who had not surrender a hit through six innings.
Kelly would issue a walk to Mark Ward (Ferrum) to start in seventh which was quickly erased by a double play, leaving just one batter between Kelly and his no-hitter. Jordan Sparks (Western Carolina) stepped to the plate determined to ruin blank slate and pushed a weak, but well placed base hit to right field. Undaunted, Kelly quickly struck out his final batter to secure his one hit, 7-0 masterpiece.
Another, longer rain delay held up game two of the doubleheader, yet the crowd was treated to a soggy series of entertaining antics from a combined group of players from both teams. I am proud to report that the Rails Love Boys (Nick and Pat) and Luke Setzer dominated the on field “Dance-Off,” and Rails Kyle Goddard (CNU) retained his belt in the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” octagon.
Game two was an uphill battle. Rails starter Harrison Richards (Roanoke College) surrendered a two run homerun to Mark Ward in the first inning. Not to be outdone, Jack Elliott crushed a solo home run to right field, clearing the net and one hopping a Florida Street carport to put the Rails on the scoreboard. The hot hitting Nick Ratliff tied the score in the third doubling in Lincoln Evans.
The Moutaineer’s Travis Fetter (Montreat College) singled to open the fourth inning and would score on East Tennessee State’s Joe Sadowski’s single to seize the lead from Montreat. Ward and Fetter would build on that lead in the fifth inning, with Fetter plating Ward with a clutch two out single.
Down two runs, Coach Jeremy Sink went to his bullpen and his bench. Griffin Stanley’s (EMU) one out double hugged the left field line in the bottom of the fifth, setting up an Elliott two out single to pull the Rails within one run of Montreat. Drew Phemister (King U) entered the game to get the last out in the top of the fifth and was his commanding self. Normally a one or two inning reliever, Phemister would stick around for the end of this push and pull contest.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Peevey (Hampden-Sydney) reached on a error and was lifted for pinch runner Christian Sanderson. Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) walked, and Evans lashed a sharp single up the middle to score Sanderson and tie the ballgame.
As Phemister mowed down the Mountaineers, the game went into extra innings. Zach McNally (SVU) cracked a single to right to start off the eighth inning, followed by a Lucas Nowlin walk and a bunt single from Cassity. With the guts of a burglar, Coach Sink sent Lincoln Evans to the plate to squeeze bunt in the winning run. Evans failed in his first try, but the Rails coach kept the bunt on and Evans delivered. Lucas Nowlin scored on the bunt, the Rails swept the twin bill and Phemister collected his second win of the year
Rails Rally Not Enough
Fall To Piedmont 6-5
The Piedmont All-Stars are a very talented and well coached team. Mostly comprised of roster mates from Patrick Henry Community College, the All-Stars have blitzed the Rails thus far this season, chalking up twenty-four runs on Roanoke in their previous two contests. Tonight, the Rails fought back and nearly stole a home victory.
Piedmont got busy early, as centerfielder Nick Keister (PHCC) led off the game with a walk, stole second base, and was immediately scored by a Daymon Totherow (PHCC) single to capture the lead. Totherow would also score on the wings of Dylan Sligh (Danville CC) double and the Rails were down two runs.
In the top of the second, the All-Star’s would add four more runs, highlighted by a Sammy Miller (Longwood U) RBI double and a RBI single by Sligh. Down six runs in the top of the third inning, the Rails were again in trouble, and it looked as though we would see another dozen runs from the guys from Martinsville.
In the home third, Luke Setzer (Catawba) scored on a wild pitch from reliever Parker Brann (Roxboro CC), to break up the shutout. Brilliant bullpen work by Brandon Creesy (Moorpark College), Sean O’Connell (Marymount), and Alec Brown (Southern VA) held Piedmont scoreless through the middle innings. In the home sixth, Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) drew a lead-off walk, bringing Setzer to the plate. Setzer, fresh off the Division 2 World Series, connected with a 0-1 fastball, cleared the Kiwanis Field scoreboard and deposited a two run home run on the far side of Sixth Street, pulling the Rails two runs short of a tie game.
Drew Phemister (King U) and Kyle Goodard (CNU) shut down the Piedmont attack during the later innings keeping the Rails in the game. In the ninth, pinch hitter Paul Williams (Concord) worked a base on balls to lead off the inning, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Williams, who rarely steals bases, headed to third on a 1-2 and witnessed Piedmont catcher Raphel Ortiz (PHCC) sail an errant throw into left field. Pat Love (EMU) worked a two out walk, Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) moved him with a single to left field, and a Sanderson line drive found the glove of a Piedmont infielder to end the game.
Rails Drop Two At Home
and
Two On The Road
There is an accepted belief that college level summer baseball has two seasons. The first five weeks of the season is a pitcher’s game, as the non-pitchers struggle to adjust to wooden bats rather than the metal bats used during the college season. Once those batting adjustments are made, the season seems to morph into a fair fight between pitchers and hitters, a place that the Roanoke Rails yearn to reach.
Saturday’s twin bill with the division leading Fuqua-Varina Twins would be quite a test for the young team from Roanoke. Right hander Zack Kelly (Concord) started strong, making quick work of the Twins in the opening inning, however, a walk and a double by the Twins Alex Lind (Lake Erie College)posted a two run lead for the visitors.
In the top half of the fourth inning a Kyle Asher ‘s (Indiana SE) bases loaded triple would break the game open, staking the Twins to a five run lead. Back to back singles by Jack Elliott (Hamden-Sydney) and Griffin Stanley (EMU) led off the home half of the inning, kick starting a slumbering Rails offense. Paul Williams (Corcord) double would put the Rails in the scoring column, but time was running out on the home team.
The Rails would tack on another two runs in the seventh, yet fell to the Twins in a 5-3 home loss.
Game two featured a tough start for Rails pitcher Harrison Richards (Roanoke College) and an excellent shutout performance from the Twins lefty Daniel Batts (UNC-Penbroke). Batts would strikeout eight Rails while surrendering only four hits, two of which came from the Rails new arrival, shortstop Luke Setzer (Catawba).
Four costly errors (by the Rails) and a ten hit barrage by the Twins made this contest nearly unwatchable. Twins leadoff hitter Nick Stuart (Lenoir CC) produced three runs, scored three runs and had three hits on an afternoon Rails fans would like to forget. Final score, Twins 12 Rails 0.
Coming off a poor showing at home, the Rails traveled south to take on the always talented Kernersville Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon. Rails ace Martin Henderlite (Lynchburg College) would face Jordan Fulbright (UNC-Asheville)in a tight, well-pitched contest, with both hurlers shutting out their opponents until the fifth inning.
In the home fifth, Henderlite quickly dispatched the first two batters in the inning before Chris Corbett (Rollins) singled to keep the inning alive. A wild pitch moved Corbett to second base and Jason Smith’s (Western Carolina) base hit scored Corbett to break the tie. Smith would later score on a Zack Michalski (GTCC) single to open up a huge two run lead.
In the top of the sixth, hot hitting first baseman Nick Love (EMU) opened the frame with a lead off double. Pinch runner Griffin Stanley moved to third base on a passed ball and Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) bunted Stanley in to score the Rails first and only run. Despite a fine performance by Henderlite, the Rails fell to the Bulldogs 2-1.
Game two was a well contested battle until the later innings. Tre Allison (Catawba) would get the start for the Rails against Braxton Shettley (GTCC). Both starters shared a rocky start. Shettley would yield a lead-off single to Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) and loaded the bases on walks, issuing a pass to Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon) and Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College). Patrick Love (EMU) earned an RBI when Shettley drilled him with a pitch, scoring Evans and providing the Rails with their first lead of the day. Allison would have similar results on the mound by walking the bases full and delivering a wild pitch to score Kory Shumate (Elon).
In the top of the third inning, Sanderson worked a leadoff walk and Nowlin doubled to center field, plating Sanderson and giving the Rails their first lead of the day. In the bottom of the inning, the Bulldogs fought right back. Smith belted a double to start the inning and Matt Orth (GTCC) boomed a home run off of reliever Sean O’Connell (Marymount) to snatch the lead, 3-2.
In the fifth, Evans stayed hot and doubled to right field, Sanderson bunted himself on base, and Setzer hit into a double play scoring Evans and the teams were tied at three. From this point on, the Bulldogs took control of the game and pounded out five more runs while holding the Rails scoreless.
Although the Rails fought gallantly, a four loss weekend is a setback. On the positive end of things, the Rails were in every game (other than the game two blowout on Saturday) and it is still early in the season. Coach Sink and his staff have proven their ability to develop players during the season and create a cohesive unit quickly. Better times are ahead.
Mountaineers Stuck on the Tracks
Rails Sweep Montreat
Coach Jeremy Sink has a reoccurring puzzle to solve each and every May. His task is to take a team of veterans and new players and somehow make them into a contending team in a short period of time. On Saturday, in North Carolina, Sink’s plan started to take shape.
Harrison Richards (Roanoke College) got the ball in the opener, yielding an early run on a RBI double by Matt Ward (Ferrum College). The Mountaineers would not score again until the sixth inning. Richards was brilliant, and would go the distance for the Rails allowing two runs on eight hits, three walks and seven strikeouts.
The Rails awakened in the top of the third with a base hit from Christian Sanderson (Randolph-Macon)later scoring on a single off the bat of Nic Ratliff (Bluefield College) to knot the score at one. In the fourth inning a leadoff walk by Pat Love (EMU) a single by Devin Cassity (Roanoke College) and a RBI single to centerfield from Lincoln Evans (Lynchburg College) scored Cassity, and chasing Montreat starter Zach Wiseman (UNC-Asheville).
In the top of the sixth, the Rails would tack on some more runs with walks to Cassity and Sanderson, a double by third baseman Lucas Nowlin (Roanoke College) and a two run home run from Ratliff to end the scoring. Final score, Rails 8 Mountaineers 2.
Game two would pitt the Rails right hander Sean O’Connell (Marymount) against Montreat’s Dustin Batson (Carson-Newman) in a back and forth battle.
The Rails took the lead early penning a four run first inning. Leadoff batter Devin Cassity reached on an infield error and scored on a double by Griffin Stanley (EMU) to start the scoring. Following walks issued to Nic Ratliff and Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney), DH Paul Williams lifted a sacrifice fly to score Stanley. Ryan Peevy then reached on a base on balls to load the bases again, setting up Zach McNally’s (SVU) clutch single driving in both Elliott and Ratliff.
As is the first inning, Cassity started the offense rolling, this time with a single to leftfield. Elliott would knock in Cassity with a timely sacrifice fly to give the Rails a commanding five run lead, In the bottom of the inning, a Rails infield error and three singles brought the Mountaineers some needed offense producing four runs and pulling the home team within one run of the visiting Rails.
The Mountaineers tied the game in the fifth and put together a strong sixth to take a 7-5 lead. Down two runs in the last inning, Stanley reached on an infield error to lead off the seventh and Elliott worked a walk, representing the game’s tying run. Pat Love (EMU) took a called strike and then proceeded to slam a huge three-run home run over the leftfield fence to propel the Rails to a one run lead.
All that was left was Rails submariner Kyle Goodard (CNU) to close out the afternoon in his usual way, by striking out the side in the seventh to secure the sweep.
Rails Reload For 2015 Season
JACK IS BACK
Coming off a strong showing in 2014 and returning most of their roster from last season, the Roanoke Rails
did a little retooling in the off season. Top run producers DJ Russ and Will Kaufman graduated from their respective schools and are following their lives in baseball, Russ as a knuckleball pitcher in the Pecos League and Kaufman as a Assistant Coach at D3 Birmingham Southern.
Among the new faces is Lynchburg College slugger Jon Munn (above) who tore up the ODAC this spring batting .423 with 31 RBI and 2 home runs. Two more additions come from an emerging power, Roanoke College. Speedy outfielder Devin Cassity (.276 /10RBI /13SB) and the verstaile Lucas Nowlin (.235/10 rbi/1 HR) are two former Timesland stars who will contribute immediately.
The D2 nationally ranked Catawba Indians will be in the house as well, delivering Liberty Christian star right handed pitcher Tre Allison (redshirt) and do everything infielder/outfielder Luke Setzer (.304/23 RBI/3 HR) to
the lineup. Local products Grant Snyder (St. Andrews) and Sean O'Connell (Marymount) by way of Cave Spring and Hidden Valley high schools, will join a a veteren pitching staff which was one of the best in CVCL last season.
Finally, a fan and team favorite returns to the lineup this year. Jack Elliott (Hampden-Sydney) one of the heros during the 2013 post season tournament run, will bring his bat, glove and his leadership to the young Rails
clubhouse.
Above Articles are from Summer 2015
Attention Roanoke Rails Fans-
Recently, two former Rails players, Steven Ball and DJ Russ have been in Houston, Texas playing in the Pecos Spring League as members of the Galveston Sea Lions. During this time both have been pitching out of the bullpen with hopes of being drafted by a Pecos League team.
The Roanoke Rails staff is pleased to announce the start of two professional baseball careers.
Steven Ball, a relief pitcher from Blacksburg, VA who played collegiately at George Mason University and Lehigh University, was a two year member of the Rails. Steven was selected in the Pecos League Draft after the spring season by the Las Vegas Train Robbers in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
DJ Russ, a knuckleball pitcher from Greensboro, NC and played collegiately at Emory and Henry, was a three year member of the Rails. Russ was also selected by the Las Vegas Train Robbers in the Pecos League Draft.
“Steven has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the CVCL the past two summers, as well as a mentor to our pitching staff. No doubt, he has played an enormous role in our success. DJ has been the “do-it-all” player every coach needs on their team. Whether it was at the plate or on the mound, he did everything that was asked of him for the Rails.” stated Roanoke Rails head coach Jeremy Sink. “As a coach, I could not be more proud of these two gentlemen.” said Sink. “They have worked hard and treated the game of baseball with respect. Now, the game is giving back and they are getting the chance to live out every player's dream.”
DJ and Steven now are current roster players for the 2015 Las Vegas Train Robbers in the Pecos League affiliated with Independent baseball. Other teams in the Pecos League include the Alpine Cowboys, Garden City Wind, Las Cruces Vaqueros, Roswell Invaders, Santa Fe Fuego, Trinidad Triggers, and the White Sands Pupfish.
Congratulations and good luck Steven and DJ!
DJ Russ & Steven Ball attend Pecos Spring League in Houston, Texas as members of the Galveston SeaLions.
Articles above are from Summer 2014
