Staunton Braves stay perfect

STAUNTON — The Staunton Braves met the Front Royal Cardinals on Thursday night in a game to decide who would be the only remaining undefeated team in the Valley League. In a game made all the more entertaining by rain showers that plagued most of the game, the Braves moved their record to 4-0 after beating the Cardinals 9-3.

By: By Derek McCormick Correspondent | News Virginian
Published: June 12, 2009

In the bottom of the second inning Staunton catcher Zac Caito walked, stole second base and was then batted home by Chris Clinton’s double.

After three innings, with out much to show for it ,Front Royal earned a tally, knotting the game at 1.

Staunton’s Chris Clinton stole his second base of the night when he swiped second, which led to an RBI double by Cameron Brown. Brown was sent over the plate by the Todd Brazeal’s grounder down the left-field line. Brazeal, in turn was brought in by Luis Llerena. After a three-run inning, the Braves were up 4-1 over Front Royal.

In an attempt to tighten the game up, the Front Royal team pulled together to bring Simon across the plate for the second time of the night.

The Cardinals slowly made it a game. Pinch running for Clay Alexander, Kevin Brashears stole third when Braves pitcher Donovan Huffer threw the ball away trying to keep him on the base. Brashears was brought in by Buddy Sosnoskie. It wouldn’t be enough.

The Braves Kent Burford scored in the bottom of the seventh, having been batted in by Blake McDade. Burford was walked, made it to second base after a wild pitch went behind the catcher, stole third and waited 90 feet from home plate until McDade did his job. Brazeal scored for the second time late in the seventh inning.

In the eighth inning the Braves went on a scoring streak, brining three players home. Shortstop Donovan Huffer, batting for Burford, hit a stand-up double that landed between two Cardinal players. He was brought in by McDade’s RBI double that went right over the head of the centerfielder. Both Brazeal and McDade were sent home by Anthony Mesa’s centerfield pop fly that just dropped into a circle of Cardinals.