Luray advances with thrilling 3-2 victory over George Mason

Luray opened what the Bulldogs hope to be a deep run into the playoffs by edging visiting George Mason 3-2 in high school baseball action today in Luray.

Ryan Carroll sent a flair just out of the reach of Mustang second baseman Michael Ward to score Jeremy Leake with the deciding run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Leake walked with one out and stole second base (1 of 6 steals for Luray) to set-up the big moment for Carroll.

The single by Carroll was one of just six hits allowed by Mustang starter Michael Straub. Straub went the distance and fanned 12 of the 18 Bulldogs retired during the contest but lost the pitching duel with Bulldog starter Richard Galindez.

Luray scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and appeared to have the #2 seed from the Bull Run on the ropes. Lucas Dickson walked and Johnny VanWyck singled and both Bulldogs came around to score on a double to the right field wall by Leake. Leake advance to third on a single by Billy Foley but Straub struck out the side to keep his club in the game.

George Mason tied the score in the second inning when Brian Lubnow singled home Michael Ward and Peter Campanelli scored on a throwing error to tie the game.

Both pitchers settled into a groove with Galindez avoiding disaster by retiring Lonnie Millard on a 3-2 count in the fourth inning with the bases loaded. Millard drilled a line drive to center field but VanWyck made the catch to end the rally and keep the score tied at 2-2.

Luray missed an opportunity to add some insurance when the Bulldogs had runners called out at home plate on back to back pitches in the bottom of the sixth inning. T.J Noser was tagged out after a failed squeeze bunt attempt and Dickson was out when he tried to score on a past ball.
The day belonged to Leake as the senior switched from short stop to the pitching mound in the top of the final inning. Leake shook off a 40 minute rain delay to earn the save with a pair of strike outs, including fanning Andrew Lieber to end the game with the tying run on second base.
For the afternoon Leake went 1-2, 1 run, 2 RBI and one save- not a bad line for a Memorial Day baseball game.

The victory allows Luray to return to action on Wednesday at home against the winner of Goochland- Dogwood.

Tomorrow will have Waynesboro playing it's opening playoff game at Kate Collins field at 6:00 p.m.

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