Wranglers top Cards with eighth-inning rally

By Jerry Holsworth - sports@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- Luray held on Sunday in a game marked by clutch hitting and a couple of untimely errors to defeat Front Royal 7-6 in Valley Baseball League play at Bing Crosby Stadium.

"We just weren't able to make the plays when we needed to," Front Royal coach Joe Scarano said. "That was pivotal, but that kind of stuff happens. These guys gave us a lot of effort tonight. They're still kids. This is stlll a grueling schedule for them and they're going to make mistakes."

With the Cardinals holding a slim 6-4 lead going into the top of the eighth the Wranglers, who after nine games have still not played a home game, got back-to-back hits, Vickash Ramjit and Cory Johnson, to begin the inning. After Front Royal reliever Bryan George struck out Josh Wright, Ramjit scored on a throwing error on a double-play attempt.

"We got behind early but our guys fought through everything," Luray coach Mike Babcock said. "Front Royal played hard and they deserve a lot of credit. We stayed in the fight and our pitchers came through for us in the end."

After a walk by Drew Martinez, A.J. Wirnsberger stepped to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second. The Wranglers second baseman launched a high fly ball to left field that looked like the third out of the inning. Cardinals left fielder Peter Goudeau couldn't make the play scoring both Pablo Bermudez and Martinez for a 7-6 lead.

The late Luray comeback spoiled an excellent pitching performance by Greg Van Sickler. The former James Wood hurler and current Shenandoah University standout pitched 5 1/3 strong innings and left the game with Front Royal leading 2-1.

"Van Sickler did a tremendous job tonight," Babcock said. "He's very well-coached. SU is a very good Division III program and he showed why tonight."

Van Sickler struck out eight and allowed seven hits without a walk and left the game after suffering a hand injury on a ground ball by Ramjit.

"I was a little tired and I took a ball on my finger," Van Sickler said. "I'm actually glad he took me out. I remember what happened a week ago or so when I stayed in one batter too long against Winchester."

After Luray took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning, the Cardinals scored a run in the bottom to narrow the lead to 2-1. Brandon Brewer got the RBI, scoring Jim Jacquot with a single to left.

The Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring three runs on four hits in the inning. Brewer again got the key hit, a two-run single.