Hughes’ double lifts Warriors to title

As the host of the Jefferson District tournament this year, Western Albemarle was hoping to give its fans a show in the championship game.

“You only get this tournament once every seven years,” said Warriors coach Skip Hudgins. “You have to make hay when you can.”

That they did. On Thursday night, Western followed up its thrilling semifinal win by beating Louisa County, 2-1, in the bottom of the seventh on a double to deep right field from Ryan Hughes that drove in Tuesday’s hero, Peter Hurley.

“I had to match Peter,” Hughes said. “He had the game-winner two nights ago, so I came up trying to hit it hard, got lucky and put a charge into it. It was just great.”

Gunnar Carroll put on a one-man show for the Lions in the loss, giving up just five hits and one earned run while striking out six and making a pair of heads-up plays on defense.

“Gunnar Carroll — I can’t tell you how much respect I have for him,

Hudgins said. “I told our kids, whatever we see in the regionals next week, it won’t be any better than him. It was some nice preparation.”

Dylan Via was every bit as good for the Warriors (19-3), throwing a four-hit complete game.

“He’s just had a super year for us,” Hudgins said. The really good teams we’ve had in my 27 years have had a number one and two [in the pitching rotation], and that’s what he give us, that second option.”

Hughes and brother Wade combined for four of the five Western hits. Wade Hughes also put together an outstanding performance at third base, making a highlight-reel play in the third inning.

For Louisa (8-10), it was another case of strong pitching but not enough offense.

“It was a tough one to lose,” said Lions coach Kevin Fisher. “We just couldn’t hit tonight for Gunnar. That’s kind of been our story all year — we’ve just struggled hitting the ball.”

Louisa put the first run on the scoreboard in the top of the third when Ryan Holland cranked a triple out to centerfield and was driven in on a Chris Bell sacrifice fly.

The Warriors answered back in the bottom of the fourth with two outs when Sam Riedesel scored on a throwing error.

Western will travel to Brentsville District for the opening round of the Region II tournament on Monday at 6 p.m.