Woodgrove Walks Off to Rivalry Win

Thursday night saw the 2019 renewal of the Battle for Purcelville as Loudoun Valley traveled to rival Woodgrove. Both teams lined up their seniors aces to start the game, creating a matchup of Virginia Tech commits in Nick Lockhart for Woodgrove and Michael Grupe for Loudoun Valley. The pair locked horns for 7 innings in an outstanding pitcher's duel that Woodgrove won, 1-0.

Woodgrove won the game in the bottom of the 7th inning with a walk-off single by Tim Blankenship, scoring Peyton Dean, who walked to lead-off the inning. A sacrifice bunt by Hunter McCormick and a throwing error put runners on 2nd & 3rd, with no outs. Blankenship then hit a ball just by the diving shortstop for the walk-off RBI.

Nick Lockhart was dominant as he pitched a complete game shutout, with 7 strikeouts, 1 walk, and he allowed only 3 hits. Offensively, Woodgrove was led by John Marquart 2-for-3; Christian Hile 2-for-3; Tim Blankenship 2-for-3, RBI, triple and Peyton Dean 1-for-2.

Senior Michael Grupe threw a complete game for Loudoun Valley, surrendering 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 7 hits and getting 4 strikeouts. A big defensive play in the 5th inning was made by right fielder Jonathan Sedmak as he threw out Blankenship at home on a tag attempt. Loudoun Valley collected 3 hits - one each by Aaron Lautenschlager, David Gingras  and Reese Goodlin.