Royals rally, then squander late lead

By Jerry Holsworth -- sports@nvdaily.com

WINCHESTER -- After trailing early, Winchester made a dramatic comeback in the late innings only to fall short, losing to Luray 11-9 in Valley League play Friday at Bridgeforth Field.

"We just can't seem to get the big hit when we need it," Winchester acting manager Mike Smith said. "But we've also got to be able to hold the other team down. We're just giving up too many runs."

Winchester starting pitcher Brett Stackhouse had a tough night on the mound, giving up home runs to leadoff hitters in the first and second innings. After getting behind in the count to Pablo Bermundez to open the game, the Florida International freshman smashed a solo home run over the centerfield fence.

"He got behind to me 3-1, and I knew I was going to get a good pitch to hit," Bermundez said. "He gave the pitch I was looking for and I drove it."

After Luray added another run in the first, Jacob Wilson led off the second with another homer to put the Wranglers up 3-1.

"It's tough when you get behind the first batter you face," Stackhouse said. "I just had to keep going though. We need to stop getting behind batters like that if we're going to be successful. But we're out there battling, and I think things will get better."

The Wranglers added a run in each of the next three innings to take what seemed like a commanding 5-1 lead.

The Luray lead, however, was not indicative of the opportunities that the Royals had. In each of the first three innings, Winchester had runners in scoring position with less than two outs, and managed just one run.

"That's the story of our season right now," Smith said. "We need someone to step up and get the big hit when we need it."

Despite the early frustration, the Royals slowly fought their way back into the game. Trailing 6-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, Winchester scored runs in the fifth and sixth innings to narrow to 6-4.

In the seventh, Winchester was able to get runners on second and third with one out, and this time Aaron Dudley delivered the key hit the Royals had been waiting for. Smashing the ball for a double to deep right field, the Toledo junior scored Bobby Rauh and Michael Vargas to tie the game 6-6.

Jordan Steranka followed with a single up the middle to score Dudley, giving Winchester its first lead of the game, 7-6.

"Timely hitting has been our big problem so far this year," Dudley said. "I think that we just need to get some more experience up there in that kind of situation. Despite the loss, I think this team has proven that we are a team that never gives up. That hasn't paid off so far, but I'm confident that it will before this season is over."

One thing the Royals did that bodes well for the future was aggressive base running. Winchester stole nine bases, with Rauh swiping five.

Despite the Royals comeback, Luray answered with a five-run eighth that Winchester just couldn't overcome.

D.J. Hicks led the Wranglers with a 4-for-5 performance, including six RBIs. Kevin Garcia 2-for-5 for the Royals with three RBIs.

Byron Mendenhall took the loss for Winchester, allowing three runs on two hits in relief of Stackhouse. Tyler Truxell got the win for Luray, allowing no runs on two hits in relief.