War Eagles had solid win over Cavaliers on Tuesday night

THE WOODLANDS, Texas- The Oak Ridge War Eagles varsity baseball team defeated the College Park Cavaliers 4-1 at College Park’s home field on Tuesday night, leaving the War Eagles with a secured first place ranking in district 16-6A and a perfect 10-0 district season record. College Park follows in second with a 6-3 record, and continues to hold high hopes for the upcoming games.

Watch the entire game again here.

War Eagle head coach Mike Pirtle believes his team’s unity is the propelling force for their success.

“At times, we’ve had really strong pitching, and here recently we’ve had really strong pitching, and other times we’ve played really good defense, and other times we’ve scrapped away to get some runs, so I think it’s our team unity. We’ve got really good team chemistry,” Pirtle said. “Everybody comes to practice, they like each other, and they work hard and get things done. Sometimes it looks like we are being silly, but we really just enjoy being around each other, and you know that’s a sign of a good team.”

Watch highlights from the game here.

The scoreboard read 0-0 the first three innings until War Eagle Michael Lawson completed a run from first base and slid home, with the help of a hit from fellow War Eagle Anthony Smith. Smith took advantage of his position at bat against Cavalier pitcher Beau Ridgeway, and applied forceful contact between the ball and bat, giving his teammate time to run home. Smith attempted to run through first base and end at second, but was called out due to the efforts of the Cavalier infield.

The score remained 1-0 for two more innings, until War Eagle Anthony Smith made his appearance at bat in the sixth inning. Smith hit a pitch from Ridgeway into the left side of the outfield with teammates Jose Sanchez and Michael Lawson at second and first base, respectively. Sanchez and Lawson employed their speed to the favorable situation and crossed the home plate, while Smith was called out before he could reach base safely. The War Eagles finished the top of the sixth inning with a 3-0 lead against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers were not to be outdone, however, and came back in the bottom of the sixth inning with a successful run. Senior Cavalier Aaron Perkins ran home off of a hit from fellow teammate Colin Cameron, who was at bat. Cameron was called out to finish off the inning, but not before Perkins scored. The Cavaliers continued to trail behind the War Eagles with a 3-1 score, but their collective effort was not to be dismissed by head coach Jason Washburn.

“I saw two very great baseball teams out there. Hopefully the fans were treated to a good environment and a good game tonight,” Coach Washburn said. “I think this game has the chance to make us better if we allow it to make us better. Nonetheless, I think there is a lot of baseball left of be played in district 16-6A, and I think we need to come out a little bit stronger against Summer Creek and make a statement against those guys, and hopefully get a little more momentum back for the next couple of weeks.”

The War Eagles finished off the game by scoring off another run in the seventh inning, and holding College Park to a single point. Bryce Foley of Oak Ridge helped teammate Durbin Feltman make it home by hitting a solid ball into the outfield. Feltman stole second base in the duration of Foley’s time at bat, and completed his run once a hit was executed. Foley was caught between first and second base, in which the Cavaliers were tag-teaming against him to ensure the last out for Oak Ridge before the end of the inning. The game ended 4-1, with the War Eagles securing the first place title in the district and the Cavaliers being properly seated for a hopeful second place and ensured advancement to the playoffs.

The War Eagles will continue their district run on Friday, April 24, against The Woodlands Highlanders at Scotland Yard. The Cavaliers will play Summer Creek at Summer Creek on Friday, as well.