MCNENRY — The Carmichaels Copperheads rode a shutout from Gavin Pratt to an 8-0 win over the Potomac Valley Mudcats to open the five-game Fayette County Baseball League championship series on Wednesday at Garrett Colege.
The Copperheads (19-2) scored a run in the first inning, four in the third, two in the sixth and one in the seventh.
That was plenty of support for Pratt, who tossed seven shutout innings of two-hit ball, striking out five and walking three. He needed only 89 pitches to go the distance.
Carmichaels’ Alex Vansickle went 3 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs, Luke Camden finished 2 for 4 with a double and two ribbies, and Dom Colarusso and Noah Mildren both singled twice each.
Conner Blake recorded both of the Mudcats’ base hits, both singles.
Conner Tingler took the loss, allowing five runs on five hits in two innings. He struck out five and walked four.
Tyson Shumaker (Salem/Mountain Ridge) threw five solid innings of relief in which he allowed three runs on four hits. The right-hander struck out two and walked three.
Potomac Valley (18-3) looked to even the series at Carmichaels on Thursday evening.