Laurinburg, NC – The Bluefield Rams (VA) opened their season strong, taking two out of three games from St. Andrews (NC) in a conference series. After securing wins in the first two games with dominant pitching and timely hitting, the Rams fell in a heartbreaker in the series finale.

Game 1: Bluefield Opens Series with a 6-1 Victory

In the series opener, the Rams controlled the game from start to finish, riding a strong fourth-inning rally to a 6-1 win. Third baseman Dylan Cutler led the offensive charge, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs. Nick Stergiou and Aidan Brown each contributed an RBI, while Ray Garcia and Bryce Medlock added key hits to keep the momentum going.

On the mound, starter Joe Gaither was lights-out, pitching 7.2 innings while allowing just one run on six hits and striking out four. Reliever Noah Burtner slammed the door with 1.1 scoreless innings, securing the series-opening victory for Bluefield.

Game 2: Bluefield Secures Series Win with 7-3 Victory

The Rams carried their momentum into Game 2, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. A four-run second inning put them in control as they cruised to a 7-3 victory, clinching the series win.

Shortstop Andres Vega had a standout performance, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Moises Aristy continued his strong start to the season, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while catcher Sean Seale added a double and an RBI to fuel the offense.

On the mound, Bryce Dees set the tone with five strong innings, allowing just three runs on four hits while striking out seven. Tyrone Woods was dominant in relief, throwing four scoreless innings and striking out five to close out the game.

Game 3: Bluefield Falls in a 1-0 Pitchers' Duel

Looking for the series sweep, Bluefield engaged in a defensive battle in Game 3 but came up just short in a 1-0 loss. The Rams' pitching remained stellar, as starter Josh Nielson delivered six scoreless innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits. Reliever Noah Burtner kept the game scoreless until the bottom of the ninth when St. Andrews pushed across the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly.

Offensively, Moises Aristy had the Rams' lone extra-base hit with a double, while Bryce Medlock led the team with two hits and a stolen base.

Looking Ahead

Bluefield (2-1) in the series showed promise and will look to build on their strong start as they continue conference play.