New Faces Lead the Way for Broadway in Rout Against New Market

By Mitchell Broughton
NEW MARKET— A rather sloppy start for the New Market Shockers proved to be too much to overcome the Broadway Bruins offense. Broadway defeated New Market 15-3 in seven innings at Rebel Field. 
Recent roster additions were the difference maker for Broadway. Starting pitcher Liam McDonnell from James Madison pitched a near perfect outing. The left-hander gave up zero hits and zero runs alongside four strikeouts and just one walk in three innings. His JMU teammate Chase DeLauter had two hits and knocked in three runs while also scoring one himself in his first RCBL action. Another newcomer, Austin Martin, was the unofficial player of the game. Martin’s two doubles drove in four runs for the Bruins; he was also instrumental on the defensive side, playing a role in both of Broadway’s double plays. 

In their second game of 2020, Broadway has showcased an aggressive offensive strategy, which one can assume is the work of assistant coach Bobby Wease. For the most part, it’s been successful. The Bruins' two stolen bases last night bring them up to five on the season. The aggressive base running has put more runners in scoring position, simply leading to more runs. 

On the other side, it was anything but a clean night for the New Market. The Shockers’ six errors led to four extra runs for the Bruins. Add that to the four hit batters by New Market pitchers and it leads to a twelve-run deficit after three innings that in most cases is improbable to come back from. Without the mistakes, the six New Market pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and four walks. 

However, the Shockers did begin to show some offensive rhythm later in the game. Shortstop Frankie Ritter was 2 for 4 with back-to-back doubles in the fifth and seventh innings, driving in one run for New Market. Ethan Laird also had a 2-RBI double in the sixth in an attempt to decrease their deficit. 

Both teams, now 1-1, will take the field again on Tuesday night. Broadway travels to Shifflett Field to take on the Grottoes Cardinals and New Market will host the Clover Hill Bucks. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:30 PM. 

FINAL in 7: Broadway 15 New Market 3. Winning pitcher: Liam McDonnell. Losing pitcher: Colton Harlow.