Baseball Recap: Varina Gets the Win

After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Highland Springs, Varina was happy to have turned things around on Monday. They had just enough and edged out the Patrick Henry Patriots 5-4. The win was some much needed relief for the Blue Devils as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Luke Carnley

Batters Struck Out (Career)

04/28/25 vs Patrick Henry	7
04/22/25 vs Manchester	5
03/26/25 @ Freeman	4
03/18/25 vs Hopewell	4
05/17/24 vs Atlee	4

Luke Carnley made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off six hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

Carnley wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Mekhi Bullock, who went 1-for-3 with two runs. That's the most runs Bullock has posted since back in May of 2024. Tino Henderson, Jr. also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.

Varina's victory was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 3-7. As for Patrick Henry, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-8 record this season.

Varina will welcome J.R. Tucker at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Patrick Henry, they will head out on the road to square off against Atlee at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The Raiders will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something the Patriots surely won't give up without a fight.