Baseball Game Preview: Varina Blue Devils vs. J.R. Tucker Tigers

Varina is 0-3 against J.R. Tucker since March of 2019 but things could change on Wednesday. The Blue Devils will host the Tigers at 6:00 p.m. Varina will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each match than the last.

Varina took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Patrick Henry 5-4. The victory 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 while hitting and pitching. 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.

Meanwhile, J.R. Tucker was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They lost 13-3 to Deep Run.

Varina's win was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 3-7. As for J.R. Tucker, their loss dropped their record down to 1-9.

Varina might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from J.R. Tucker in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Will the Blue Devils have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.