It was ecstasy and agony for a pair of Spotsylvania County high school baseball teams in search of a Virginia High School League state championship.
Courtland advanced to the Class 4 state title game with a 6-4 victory over Tuscarora behind a gritty effort from freshman pitcher Ryan Hoburg in the semifinals Friday morning at Western Albemarle High School.
Riverbend dropped a heartbreaking 10-4 decision to First Colonial Friday afternoon at Glen Allen High School.
The Bears led 4-3 entering the top of the seventh inning when the Patriots erupted for seven runs. First Colonial will face Mills Godwin for the state championship.
While Riverbend (17-8) sees its season end, Courtland (19-5) earned a rematch with Atlee (20-5) in Saturday’s 11 a.m. championship game. The Raiders knocked off the Cougars 5-2 in the Region 4B title game last month.
Courtland is seeking its first state championship since it captured the Group AA crown in 2000.
“We’re excited,” Cougars head coach Chris Meek said. “We’re just trying to ride it as long as we can and having fun doing it. We want to remember all the fans who are supporting us and keep in mind that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime shot. It is not the easiest thing to get there, so we’re just trying to enjoy it.”
Roburg took over in the first inning and pitched the remainder of the game. The Raiders led 2-1 after one, but the Cougars took the lead and held on to it.
Courtland was paced at the plate by third baseman Maddux Rothel who recorded three hits and scored a run. Tanner Lam had an RBI and a run. Nate Jackson and Stedman Lewis had two hits apiece with Lewis scoring twice and Jackson scoring once.
Standout second baseman Carlos Santos laid down a key RBI bunt. Kellen Bock also scored a run.
Courtland followed Atlee’s 3-2 victory over Dominion online before dinner, a little rest, and the opportunity to add to the school’s trophy case in the morning.
Ace pitcher Tyler Jackson is expected to take the mound for Courtland. Atlee used its top two pitchers against Dominion, but Meek said the Raiders have a deep stable of arms.
“We know what it’s going to take. They are a good ball club. They taught us a couple of lessons,” Meek said. “We know it was going to be difficult no matter who we played at this point in the season. We have to be prepared for a variety of things, and hopefully we will execute.”
