Liberty had lost seven games at home, but after bumping their record up to 2-13 on Monday that streak is in the rearview. They walked away with a 5-2 victory over the Gretna Hawks. For the Minutemen, this counts as revenge for the 6-5 win the Hawks walked away with the last time they faced one another back in May of 2024.
Aiden Cottrell
| 05/05/25 vs Gretna | 5 |
| 04/24/25 vs Staunton River | 4 |
| 03/21/25 vs Patrick Henry | 2 |
| 04/29/25 @ Glass | 1 |
Aiden Cottrell was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (five). He was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Spencer Grant, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one run. Those two hits gave him a new career-high.
Liberty always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .550. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
As for Gretna, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-11 record this season. Their loss continues a trend for the squad, making it five in a row.
Like Liberty, Gretna also got a great game from a two-way player: Owen Shelton. He struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Shelton has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI.
Shelton wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Blake Dalton, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI. Brendan Smith also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Looking ahead, Liberty will head out to square off against Jefferson Forest at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Cavaliers will roll in looking for their 14th straight victory, something the Minutemen surely won't give up without a fight. As for Gretna, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Dan River at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
