June 27 - Sam Davies did not allow a hit over three innings on the mound and provided to go-ahead run with a bases loaded walk in the fifth inning to lead the Virginia Renegades to a 2-1 win over the Prime Time Aces Navy and clinch the junior varsity Kyle’s Kamp Memorial Day Tournament championship last night at Westfield High School.

Davies got the start for the Renegades and retired the side in order in the first inning. In the second, Davies worked around an error and a walk to strand runners in scoring position with a strikeout. He would work around another error in the third with two more strikeouts. 

“Everything was working,” Davies said. “The curveball was being located and the fastball was good as always. It just felt good.”

Kevin Mackmin got the Renegades on the board in the fourth after coming around to score on a throwing error. The Renegades would add to their lead in the fifth after two walks and hit by pitch loaded the bases for Davies, who walked on five pitches to score Chris Cheng.  

“Sam has a great presence on the mound and he battles at the plate,” Renegades coach Alex Gregory said. “He gives us opportunities and chances to win. He is a staple in the middle of our order and at the top of the rotation.”  

Aces starting pitcher Jack Schulz allowed an unearned run on three hits in four innings with four strikeouts. Jesus Del Valle came on in relief in the fifth and allowed a run on four walks in two innings of work while also striking out four for the Aces.

Mackmin took the ball in the fourth for the Renegades and allowed a run in two relief innings. Evan Leon recorded the only hit and scored the only run for the Aces after a leadoff single in the fifth. After stealing second, he advanced to third on a balk and eventually scored on a wild pitch.

Will Long got the save after retiring all six batters he faced for the Renegades. The Aces never made solid contact against the right-hander, striking out four times and hitting two infield pop flies. The Renegades’ pitching allowed just one hit and a walk while totaling nine strikeouts.

“They were impressive,” Gregory said. “We have done a lot of work the last few years. We have had the same core guys and they work hard on the bump. Pitching and defense has really elevated this program.”

The championship game was a make-up from May 28 and concludes the Kyle’s Kamp Memorial Tournament. The Renegades will play again tonight against the Bradley Eagles at Marshall High School while the Aces will play their next NVTBL game against the Loudoun Aces (Machado) on July 8.