Follow @PBRVirginiaDC
By Jon Kaufman
Contributor

Staunton River senior lefthander pitcher Spencer Hoyt (King University) has not lost a pitching decision in nearly two seasons. His 0.50 ERA this season is almost ridiculous.  Tuesday night, the returning All-Timesland 2015 selection went to work in the most home run friendly ballpark in the vicinity, as the Golden Eagles traveled to Lord Botetourt in a match pitting the two top ballclubs in their league.

Lefty senior hurler Ryan Fralin had a rocky start for the Cavaliers of Botetourt, loading the bases in the first inning. Shortstop and lead-off man Jake Divers lined the first pitch of the game to right field for a single, followed by a Charles Collier base hit, and well placed bunt by Koby Karnes. Fralin induced a well needed infield popup for the first out, and an unassisted double-play by the head's up Caleb Franklin on a wicked line drive ended the inning. The Cav's would retire the side with double-plays in the second and third inning as well.

In the top of the fourth, the ball park came into play. Coy Mullins led off the inning with a towering home run giving Hoyt and the Eagles a little cushion. Hoyt was in his groove through five innings striking out eight, surrendering just one hit.

In the visitors sixth, Staunton River's bats awakened. Jaret Tuck singled, an infield error and a single by Micah Tuck scored his brother Jaret. A Nathan Cutler single moved the runners to second and third and a Diver sacrifice fly scored Nick Funk who had reached on an error.

Lord Botetourt put together a run in the bottom of the sixth when Fralin scored on an infield error, however, it was not enough. Hoyt was dominating, striking out eleven on five hits and two bases on balls, and the Golden Eagles are perched atop the conference with an impressive 10-3 record and a 4-1 win.