Western Branch Remains Perfect

Zach Rutherford pitched a complete shutout to help Western Branch remain undefeated with a 6-0 win over Nansemond River. Rutherford allowed only five hits while striking out seven including 6 of the first 9 batters he faced. He also threw out a runner at first base for the third out in the fifth inning.

Rutherford improved to 4-0 and he was in control the entire game with his only tense moment coming in the sixth inning when a double by Kieton Rivers put runners at 2nd & 3rd with two outs. Rivers had two double for Nansemond Rivers. Rutherford was able to hold the dangerous Trevor Riggs to an infield popup for the third out.

Catcher Devon Fisher gave Rutherford all the scoring he needed with a blast over the left field fence on the very first pitch of the second inning. It was his third home run this year. Fisher also added a run scoring double in the fifth inning.

Grant Miaorana ended the scoring with an RBI single in the sixth inning which plated Nate Collins. Miaorana finished with two hits and a stolen base. Junior Alex Abbey scored two runs while adding an RBI single and a stolen base.

Starting pitcher Robert Fitzwater took the loss allowing five runs in 4.2 innings. Chase Williams had two hits for Nansemond River.