SALEM - Glenvar had scored 29 runs in their previous two games prior to facing James River in the Region C semi-finals.  Now, the count is 43.  The Highlanders rolled past non-district rival James River 14-4 on their way to a fifth consecutive state playoff berth Thursday night.

Most would have expected this one to be a little closer considering how the two regular season matches between these two teams fared.  The game at James River even went nine innings with the Knights capturing the victory, 6-5.

This go around was a little different as the Highlanders continued their recent playoff streak against the Knights in dominating fashion.

"We've beat them at times during the regular season, but since I've been here we have never beaten them in the playoffs out of six tries," said James River coach Gehrig Ferguson.

The playoff woes against Glenvar were not immediately obvious as the Knights took an early lead in the first when starting centerfielder Andrew Tucker scored from second on an error.  But after that it was all Glenvar.

The Highlanders scored five first inning runs and never looked back.  The early onslaught was highlighted by Eddy Kasper's leadoff triple and Karlyn East's RBI double.  The Knights helped Glenvar along by committing four crucial errors that put runners in scoring position.

"We really thought we'd be in a ball game," said Ferguson referring to the close contests earlier in the year.  "I don't ever remember giving up four errors in one inning before. That hurt us."

Glenvar's Todd Dunbar took the mound in relief of starter Cam Holshouser and pitched 5 2/3 innings where he struck out four and allowed just six hits.  Dunbar also had a strong offensive night which included three hits, three RBI's, a solo homerun, and two runs.

"We came in swinging the bats well," said Highlander coach Billy Wells.  "They had Duke on the mound early and we were hoping to get into their bullpen."

That is exactly what the Highlanders did.  James River's starting ace pitcher, Tyler Duke, endured the harsh first inning before being replaced on the mound by Andrew Fields. The Knights actually circulated through five pitchers throughout the contest, the three others included Jaret White, Dustin Winand, and Ryan Hepler.  Even with the pitching changes, the Knights couldn't overcome what may have been a combination of jitters and a hot hitting Glenvar team.

"We looked a little nervous in pregame," said Ferguson.  "But I'm proud of my kids.  We had a great season."

Billy Wells and his Highlanders will face Fort Chiswell tonight at Salem's Kiwanis field at 6 pm for the Region C Championship.
 
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