Dominion District Week of May 12 (Final Week)

Midlothian got only its second district win of the season, beating Clover Hill 5-3. Miles McQuaig turned in a solid pitching performance and Ryan Mallory hit yet another HR for the Trojans. Any one L.C. Bird win or Clover Hill loss the rest of this week would kill any remaining playoff hopes for Clover Hill. Those teams play each other Thursday.

Robert Oldham hit a tie-breaking 3-run HR in the 5th, then prevented a late L.C. Bird rally with a spectacular catch at the CF wall in the 7th, to lead James River past Bird, 5-2. Daniel Marrs worked through some rust in his return from a 3-week layoff required to recuperate from an eye problem, but made it through 6 innings with only 1 earned run to get the win.

Cosby showed no let up after clinching the regular season title on Tuesday, pounding Monacan 15-2 in 5 innings on Wednesday. With a win at Clover Hill Friday, Cosby could run the table in district play.

James River finished district play at 9-3, locking up 2nd place with a 9-4 win over Manchester. James River had a 5-run first and never looked back. Manchester's brother act, freshman Augie Ayers and sophomore Chris Ayers, did provide their highlights, as each homered to emphasize that Manchester's best days are ahead of this young bunch; Manchester has only one senior on this year's roster.

Midlothian pinned last place on Monacan with a 10-4 win. Ryan Mallory pitched a complete game for the win, while also going 3-4 at the plate. The game ends both teams' seasons, but Mallory -- an underpublicized, terrifying hitter -- will continue his career at U. of Richmond.

L.C. Bird hit 4 HR's -- 2 by Jamie Hendrick -- to pound Clover Hill, 16-6, thereby locking up the last playoff spot.

The last make-up game to be played, between Clover Hill and Cosby, will likely be rained out again today. Because the game would not affect the standings, in all likelihood it will never be played. The standings below are therefore final.

1. Cosby 11-0
2. James River 9-3
3. Manchester 7-5
4. L.C. Bird 6-6
5. Clover Hill 3-8
6. Midlothian 3-9
7. Monacan 2-10

The playoffs will be Cosby v. Bird and James River v. Manchester. Clover Hill, Midlothian and Monacan do not make the tourney field; their seasons are over.

Both playoff games are Tuesday evening, May 20 at L.C. Bird. I do not yet know which of the two games is at 5:00 and which is at 7:30 p.m.