Generals’ long week ahead

By Robert Sisk The News Virginian
Published: July 14, 2008

After a break on Sunday thanks to the weather, Waynesboro is back to the grindstone for the final 13 games of the season, including Monday’s game against the North’s last-place team, Front Royal, and today’s game against the No. 1 team in the country, Vienna.
Results for Monday’s game against Front Royal were not available at presstime.
The Generals will also take on Staunton on Wednesday and the South Division’s No. 2 team, Covington, on Friday. The Generals have yet to beat the Braves this season, but hold a 3-1 advantage over Covington.
“It’s certainly a pivotal week,” Waynesboro coach Lawrence Nesselrodt said. “The last couple days, the injury bug has bitten us a little bit with some nagging injuries. It’s the stretch drive; it’s time to go whether you feel good or not. Sometime you have to answer the bell when you’re not 100 percent.”
Austin Morgan (knee), Jared Dobbs (elbow) and Ryan Adams (shoulder) were just a few Generals who missed work last week because of injuries. Also on the DL was slugger Brandon Sizemore, who has been out since July 3. All four are expected to make their returns this week.
Sizemore’s return will be a gametime decision, but he came back to the River City on Monday and started attending batting practice.
“I would guess we’d start him in DH until we are confident he can contribute in the field,” Nesselrodt said.
The Generals’ coaching staff is trying to bring down some of the hype surrounding their game against Vienna today, and keep the team focused on the regular season title.
“We tried to minimize the importance of that game,” Nesselrodt said. “Our own goal is to make the playoffs and win the regular season championship, but I continually have to quiet the talk. It’s one of those unique opportunities.”
The Generals will not have any off days this week and will take on Fauquier on Saturday, a club that has surprised several teams this season.
“You don’t see them make a lot of mistakes,” Nesselrodt said. “They make you earn ever night.”