Gametime Henrico: May 15-21, 2023

The Wildcats’ softball squad finished the regular season with a record of 14-6 and an eight-game winning streak, after defeating Tucker 20-2 last Thursday and Freeman 5-1 last Friday. Against Freeman, Hope Tate put on a show, pitching all nine innings, striking out 11 batters and allowing only three hits. At the plate, Tate led the way, going 3 for 4 with one run. Teagan Baulsir also had a strong day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with three RBIs. Baulsir also recorded a perfect fielding percentage with 12 putouts to lead the Cats defensively.

Freeman High School

The Mavs’ baseball team finished the regular season with a 17-3 record after a 3-2 win over the Glen Allen Jaguars and a tough 1-0 loss to Deep Run in their regular season finale. Against the Wildcats, Ryan Bland, Ryder Warren, Parker Noonan and Eric Skowysz each recorded one hit apiece. Samuel Bennett pitched all seven innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out six. Their 17-3 record ties them with Godwin for the best record in Region 5C, and they have secured the second seed and a first-round bye to start the postseason.

Glen Allen High School

The Jaguars’ softball squad finished the regular season 13-5 after its 6-2 victory over Freeman last Tuesday and a 3-1 loss to Godwin last Thursday. In the regular season finale versus the Eagles, Ava Lester and Sam Horn led the way offensively, each going 3 for 4 on the day. Grace Tharp also had a strong day of pitching, striking out nine batters and allowing three runs as she went the distance. The Jags’ record of 13-5 is their best finish since the 2019 season, and they are ranked seventh in Virginia’s Class 5.

Godwin High School

The Eagles’ baseball squad finished its regular season last week with a strong 17-3 record after a 13-0 victory over Midlothian and a 9-5 loss to Glen Allen on senior night. Against Midlothian, Caelan Funk led an explosive Eagles offense, going 3 for 4 at the plate with three RBIs and a three-run home run. Hank Piersol went 1 for 1 with a two-run home run, Luke Smyers went 2 for 4 with three RBIs, Dylan Hudson went 2 for 3 with two runs, and Juice Tobin went 1 for 2 with two doubles, two runs and a stolen base. The Eagles’ 17-3 record warrants the No. 1 seed heading into the postseason, where they will have a first-round bye and then face the winner of Clover Hill vs L.C. Bird.

Henrico High School

The Warriors’ baseball squad finished their season with a record of 3-17 after a 14-5 loss to a strong Highland Springs program. In that game, the Warriors had plenty of strong performances, led by sophomore Zavion Jackson, who went 1 for 2, including a three-run home run and five strikeouts in 2.2 innings on the mound. Camden Nougeras went 1 for 3 with two runs and one RBI at the plate.

Hermitage High School

The Panthers’ baseball team finished the regular season off strong with a 5-4 victory over Prince George last Monday and a 13-0 victory over John Marshall last Wednesday. Versus the Justices, Nate Waple led the way in hitting, going 1 for 2 with two runs and one RBI. Nick Suitte, Jacob Kinney, Darin Hanten and Semaj Adams each had two runs on the day and combined for six stolen bases. Hermitage is now 6-13 as it prepares for the first round of the Region 5C playoffs and a road game against Tucker (8-12) on Tuesday at p.m.

Highland Springs High School

The Springers’ baseball team finished the regular season with a record of 14-8, which was good enough for the fourth seed in Region 5C. They finished the regular season on a high note, defeating Henrico 16-5 on the road. Jayy Hamiel leads the way for the Springers, who are preparing for the winner of the Midlothian Prince George game in the first round. Hamiel finished the regular season with a batting average of .447 (ninth-best in Class 5), an on-base percentage of .588 (fourth-best in Class 5) and two home runs (seventh-best in Class 5). Hamiel’s presence will be crucial for a potential regional and state title run with powerhouses such as Freeman, Godwin and Glen Allen in the way. Despite the heavy competition in Region 5C, the Springers will be in prime position to improve on their quarterfinal finish in last year's tournament.

Tucker High School

Tucker's baseball squad finished the regular season with an 8-12 record, following a 6-4 victory over Patrick Henry last Wednesday and a 6-0 loss to Deep Run last Thursday. Versus the Patriots, Andrew Baish led the way at the plate going 2 for 2 with one run and one RBI. Caden Ballum went 2 for 4 on the day with one run and one double, while Justin Helberg went 2 for 5 with one RBI and also pitched seven innings, striking out four batters and allowing seven hits. The Tigers’ first game of the Region 5C playoffs will be against Hermitage (6-13) this Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Varina High School

Varina’s softball team finished its regular season on a high note with a 17-6 victory over Armstrong last Friday. Hailey Butler had a phenomenal day, going a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with three home runs, three runs and eight RBIs. Butler also got the win at the mound, allowing no hits and striking out five batters in just two innings. Other top performers included Tyy Turner, who went 3 for 3 with two runs, two RBIs and one home run; Makayla Shearon, who went 3 for 3 with three runs and three RBIs; Desiree Smiley, who went 2 for 2 with one run and one RBI; and Willow Nash, who went 1 for 3 with three runs and two RBIs, including a third home run for the Blue Devils.