James Moyer Sports Complex, Salem VA, July 28, 2007 ---
Blacksburg rallied twice on Saturday to beat Salem 11-6 and claim its
first Dixie Youth State Championship. Salem struck first, scoring two
runs in the top of the 1st off many hard hits. Blacksburg responded with
four runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Jake McCoy got things started by
drawing a walk. Tyler Davis reached on a rare Salem error. John Hinson
singled, scoring McCoy. Hinson would move himself home on a passed ball.
Eli Straw ripped a double, scoring Davis. Then, Will Murray sacrificed
to score Straw. Salem would immediately retaliate with four runs of
their own in the top of the third on many sharp hits, including one to
the base of the fence. Blacksburg then buckled down and held Salem
scoreless in the top of the 4th. In the bottom half of the 4th, and
trailing 6-4 with two outs, Blacksburg would begin a furious rally. With
two outs, two strikes, and with John Hinson and Tyler Davis on 1st and 2nd,
Will Murray pounded a double to the fence scoring both runners to tie
the game at six a piece. Blacksburg would add five more runs in the
inning, most notably when Morgan McCoy ripped a double with bases
loaded. Amazingly, all seven Blacksburg runs were scored with two outs
in the inning. The last two innings of the game would turn into a
defensive chess match, as Blacksburg and Salem both made great defensive
plays. John Hinson was the winning pitcher and retired the last six
batters down the stretch to preserve the win. Ethan Goforth led
Blacksburg at the plate going 3 for 3, with 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.
Will Murray was 1 for 3 with 3 RBI, and Morgan McCoy was 1 for 3 with 2
RBI. Defensively, Blacksburg was led by infielders Thomas and Hal Hughes
who combined for seven put outs and no errors. Blacksburg advances to
the Dixie World Series and will play Alabama in the first round of play.
John Hinson would go all six innings and get the biggest win in Blacksburg Dixie League history.
Ethan Goforth was 3 for 3 on the day.
The Blacksburg faithful turned out in full force for the championship game.
IF/OF Jake McCoy scores the first Blacksburg run to cut the deficit 2-1.
Manager Mike Goforth gives signs to the batter and runner.
Eli Straw rips a double, scoring Tyler Davis.
A team meeting for Salem on the mound.
Caden Croy on first base after a hit to the fence.
The Blacksburg coaches discuss strategy.
The score at the half way point.
Mike Goforth tends to an injured Salem player.
Will Murray on 2nd base after his 2 RBI double in the bottom of the fourth.
Andrew Guy crosses the plate on Morgan McCoy's Double.
Morgan McCoy celebrates his bases loaded double.
The huge Blacksburg inning!
The Blacksburg fans give the players a standing ovation.
Sequence one: Blacksburg celebrates the end of the fifth.
Sequence two: More celebration.
Adam Linkous reaches base in the bottom of the fifth.
Channel 10 News was on hand to document the event.
One more out and Blacksburg wins!
The final out!
Blacksburg celebrates!
State Director Charlie Green addresses the crowd.
Tournament runner-up Salem Nationals.
Team Blacksburg and the huge crowd of support.
Ethan Goforth is presented the batting champion trophy for hitting .750 in the tournament.
Halifax County is presented the Sportsmanship award by Charlie Green and District Director Ben Matheny.
Blacksburg is presented with the Virginia State Flag by National Director Tim Boggs.
