Jaxon Hare Leads Potomac Valley to Opening Win

Pitching Dominance

Jaxon Hare kept the Funkstown lineup baffled, allowing just one unearned run on three hits while striking out seven batters. The right‑hander worked seven innings, using only 49 pitches and walking a single runner. He also weathered a rain‑soaked mound and a sixth‑inning cramp before locking down a complete‑game victory. Potter Valley skipper Brent Williamson noted, “Jaxon Hare threw awesome game for us today,” adding that the defense was terrific. “It’s nice (having Hare on the mound). You don’t really want to have to go through a lot of pitchers in the game if you don’t want to. … More than likely. Every time he goes out there, it’s going to be a complete game.”

Offensive Burst in the Third

Potomac Valley’s scoring came in a concentrated burst during the third inning, when three runs crossed the plate on four hits and two walks. Singles from Hare, Lucas Williamson and Blake Jacobs loaded the bases, and the Skunks capitalized with runs from James Vincell, Mason Slade and Hunter Harr. The inning turned a close contest into a decisive lead that Funkstown never reclaimed. Vincell paced the hitting with two base knocks, contributing to an 8‑3 total hit advantage.

Funkstown’s offense struggled early, not recording its first hit until Heath Githens bunted in the fourth. A seventh‑inning miscue on an Alex Smith grounder cut the deficit to 3‑1, but the chance to tie evaporated on a failed suicide squeeze. The contest ended with Hare popping out the final batter for the win.

Defense and Key Plays

The defense shone with a single error, highlighted by right‑fielder Lukas Wolford’s running grab in the right‑center gap that robbed George Mantz of extra bases. The only extra‑base hit of the game was a triple by Alex Smith, which resulted in a scary play when the relay throw struck third baseman Lucas Williamson in the head. Despite the unpleasant moment, Williamson stayed in the game and the run was not scored.

Funkstown’s starting pitcher Kruz Jackson took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits over two innings before being relieved by Gavin Ramarge and Andrew Snook.

Tournament Implications

Potomac Valley (8‑5‑1) moved to 1‑0 in Pool B of the Berkeley Post 14 Invitational, while Funkstown fell to 15‑5 overall after the setback. The victor will face Charleston Post 65 on Friday night and wrap up pool play against Post 13 on Saturday at 10 a.m. The top two teams from each pool advance to Sunday’s bracket.

Williamson expressed confidence heading into the postseason, stating, “We head into postseason next week. What I want to see from these guys is definitely confidence level up. We all know that comes with wins.” The win builds momentum for the Skunks as they look to improve their record moving forward.