Playing two games in two nights, Albemarle picked up a pair of Commonwealth District wins on Thursday and then Friday. The Patriots first edged Rivebend 10-9 before following that up with a 3-1 win over North Stafford.
Against Riverbend Lee Carneal came through with a big save in the seventh, shutting down the bears with runners on base to preserve the win. The Patriots entered the seventh up by four but a 3-run triple changed that. The Bears nearly tied the game on a throwing error but Kyle Vidano threw out the tiying run at the plate.
Austin Turner earned the win for his five innings pitches. Joe Burris had a huge game at the plate with a trio of doubles. Carneal finished 3 for 3 with a double and also earned a pair of walks.
In the 3-1 win over North Stafford Albemarle saw starter Kyle Ripley through a complete game. Ripley issued just one walk in seven innings of work and surrendered only three hits.
Offensively, Burris accounted for Albemarle first run of the game with an RBI double. Timmy Aker put the Patriots out front with a solo home run. Benny Baranik provided some valuable insurance with an RBI single to make a 2-run lead.
Albemarle (5-1, 3-1) jumps out of Commonwealth play to play cross county rival Western Albemarle on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
