CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — In the opening game of a two-game swing through North Central West Virginia, Class AAAA No. 7 Washington jumped out to a seven-run lead at Class AAA No. 7 Robert C. Byrd and held on to win 11-8.
Washington (15-9) scored four runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth to build a 6-0 lead. Connor Smith’s two-run home run in the fourth was part of a three-hit day. RCB responded by scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth. The rally was capped by a three-run double off the bat of Xavier Carvelli.
After a scoreless fifth inning, the Patriots sent ten men to the plate in a five-run sixth inning to give the visitors an 11-4 cushion. Trailing 11-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Cooper Floyd cut the RCB (17-7) deficit in half by connecting for a three-run homer. However, Washington escaped the inning when pitcher Sven Dupree snared a line drive and doubled off a runner at first base to end the threat.
Dupree, Smith and Marshall Derrick each had three-hit games for the Patriots. Smith and Derrick each drove in three runs. Smith allowed four unearned runs in four innings of work as WHS’ starting pitcher.
Floyd drove in four of RCB’s eight runs and he scored three times.
Washington was scheduled to play at Fairmont Senior Saturday evening.