Mike Vukovcan AVONWORTH– After having long periods of inactivity this season, the Hopewell JV baseball team was busy this week. After taking on Hampton in a 2-game series, Hopewell traveled to Avonworth on Thursday for a non-section game.
Because the varsity team was off, sophomore Collin Davis was able to suit up for the JV squad and get his first start of the season. This was game allowed Davis to get some time on the mound, which is important considering he’s likely to figure into the varsity’s pitching plans in 2027.
Hopewell softball and youth baseball is sponsored by Lisa McCoy, your neighborhood State Farm agent.
Despite having obvious rust, Davis had an outstanding outing as he was in command for much of the game and showed a glimpse of what he will be able to provide next season.
The sophomore right-hander went 5.2 innings, allowing 5 runs, although only 3 of which were earned and struck out 5 batters.
Hopewell took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 5th inning, which is when Avonworth scored 3 runs, 2 of those were unearned.
The Vikings trailed 4-3 heading to the 6th inning when they tied the game back up at 4 all. The Lopes scored a run in the bottom of the 6th to go back up by 1 only to see Hopewell come back and tie the game up in the top of the 7th inning. Unfortunately, Avonworth was able to score one more time in the bottom of the 7th to come away with a 6-5 victory.
Despite it ending with a loss, it was the best performance and most exciting game for the JV squad this season.
GAME-HIGHLIGHTS:
-Freshman outfielder Josh Gill stayed hot at the plate, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Although they haven’t always resulted, Gill has looked really comfortable at the plate all week, making solid contact and doing a nice job going the other way for hits.
-Freshman first baseman Andrew Arzberger went 1-for-4 and like Gill, had a nice week hitting as he went 4-for-10 with 3 runs scored.
-Freshman catcher Luke Vukovcan had a really solid week. Yesterday, Vukovcan went 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. For the week, he went 4-for-6 with a walk, RBI and 2 doubles.
-Freshman second baseman Ethan Adams went 1-for-2 with a hard RBI single in the second inning.
-Freshman shortstop Jaxsen Covalt picked up a walk and RBI but more importantly played a solid game defensively, as did sophomore 3rd baseman Cam Hoth.
The JV team will return to the field next week when they take on Central Valley in a 2-game series.
