Lance Baxter, Staunton Braves, LHP, So., Silverhill, Ala. (South Alabama)
Baxter fired a no-hitter in Staunton’s 2-0 victory over Waynesboro on Thursday, July 5. The University of South Alabama lefty faced just one batter over the minimum in his complete-game effort, allowing runners to reach on a walk and an error with one of them picked off. Baxter struck out seven while firing the league’s first no-hitter since Paul Burnside of Winchester threw a perfect game in his first Valley League appearance in June of 2006.
Shawn Grifftih, Fauquier Gators, RHP, Jr., St. Petersburg, Fla. (George Mason)
Griffith holds the early league lead with three saves after closing out four of Fauquier’s five victories in the first week of the season. The George Mason University right hander allowed just three total base runners on one hit and two walks in 5 1/3 innings over his four relief appearances.
VBL WEEK ONE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Ryan Gauck, Fauquier Gators, 1B, So., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Marist)
Gauck, a product of the Marist Red Foxes, got off to an impressive start in the season’s first week, hitting .556 (15-for-27) with three runs scored, two doubles, a triple, four RBIs, a walk, and a steal. He leads the league in batting average, on-base percentage (.586), and hits while ranking fifth with a .704 slugging percentage. His efforts helped the Gators get off to a 5-2 start in the first week.
Tripp Swann, Haymarket Senators, 1B, So., Montgomery, Ala. (Samford)
Swann hit .458 (11-for-24) last week with seven runs scored, six doubles, one home run, six RBIs, and five walks. The Samford Bulldog slugger shares the league lead with 20 total bases and ranks second in batting average, second with an .833 slugging percentage, second with a .567 on-base percentage, tied for third in hits, first in doubles, and tied for second in runs. Swann helped Haymarket to a 4-3 mark in the first week.
Tyler Townsend, Winchester Royals, 1B, So., Lewes, Del. (Florida International)
Townsend shares the league lead with three home runs, nine RBIs, and 20 total bases after an impressive first week of the season. He hit .360 (9-for-25) with four runs, two doubles, three walks, and two hit by pitches. The FIU Golden Panther is also third with an .800 slugging percentage after aiding the Royals to a 5-3 opening week.
NOTE: VBL weekly awards typically include all games Monday through Sunday. Because the season started on a Saturday, the first weekly awards include all games from Saturday, May 31 through Sunday, June 8.
