New Kent’s season ends with 13-5 loss at Loudoun Valley

Coming off of a win against Hopewell, New Kent’s Trojan baseball team looked for a win against Loudoun Valley’s Vikings to earn a berth in the state tournament. After the long drive to Purcellville in Northern Virginia, the Trojans failed to seize the opportunity, falling 13-5.

Trojan starting pitcher Chris Beshai struck out two in the first inning, although an unearned run scored from defensive errors and miscues.

New Kent bats flourished in the second, as back-to-back doubles by Beshai and Zach Ferrell followed by a hit by pitch for Tyler Robertson loaded the bases for Steven Carpenter. Carpenter hit a two-run single to right field to give the guests a lead. Brother Michael Carpenter matched his younger brother’s feat as he doubled to right field, driving in two more runs and upping the Trojans’ lead to 4-1.

But the offensive attack would slow to a screeching halt, as the Trojans could only muster one hit over the next three innings. On the other hand, Loudoun Valley scored four runs in the third inning to regain a 5-4 lead.

The host Vikings began executing an offensive clinic in the fifth inning, scoring a total of eight runs. Despite two pitching changes by coach Ronnie Cox to try and calm down the game, Loudoun Valley remained hot, using a team cycle to drive in the runs. New Kent drove in one additional run, but no more crossed the plate as the Vikings earn a bid to the state tournament.

New Kent’s season ends with a record of 16-9.