Generals fall to the Braves

By Cody Clifton Correspondent
Published: July 28, 2008

STAUNTON — Waynesboro’s road struggles continued Sunday in Staunton as the Generals mustered only five hits against the cross-county rival Braves, falling 6-1 at Ted Bosiack Field.
The Generals’ first inning set the tone for the entire game when Brandon Sizemore walked. After an Austin Morgan single, Sizemore stole third, putting two runners on with one out.
Evan Webb swung at the first pitch grounding into a patented 4-6-3 double play, failing to score on the first of many opportunities.
“We didn’t take advantage of some opportunities early,” Waynesboro coach Lawrence Nesselrodt said. “It’s a rival game so you like to come out and win, but we’re not in a do or die situation so it’s a little easier to handle a loss.”
Waynesboro starter Matt Sokolowski was able to keep the Braves off the scoreboard until the Generals could punch through for a run. Unfortunately for the General faithful, the Braves would score first, pushing a run across in the third.
Casey Sedley singled off of Sokolowski to start the third. After a walk to Jason Stifler and Matt Townsend’s sacrifice bunt, Staunton had two runners in scoring position.
Stephen Branca’s groundout to Morgan scored Sedley to give the Braves the 1-0 lead.
The Generals got their only run in the fifth inning, fighting hard and scrapping for what they could get.
After Ryan Danbury reached on a fielder’s choice and Gabriel Saade walked, Sizemore doubled into left field to score Danbury to tie the score at one.
The Braves did not let the game stay tied for long.
After Sedley reached on a single, Townsend homered to deep right field allowing him to trot around the bases while two more runs were put on the board.
“We have to get the bat on the ball and get a better pitch to hit,” Nesselrodt stated. “It’s just the little things, but we wanted to set up the pitching rotation. A lot of things fell into place as far as staying healthy.”
Waynesboro will travel to face the Northern Division champion Luray tonight in a season-ending battle. If Luray wins today, it will take the VBL’s top seed, but if the Generals win, a one-game playoff will be held on Tuesday in Waynesboro.