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Waynesboro Today
By the People, for the People
Gladiators Crush Cougars With 5th Inning Explosion
Riverheads High School baseball team scores 8 runs in the 5th to win 10-0 over Alleghany High School
Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:37am
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A cubist interpretation of the Gladiators' decisive 5th inning rally that crushed the Cougars' hopes of an upset victory.Waynesboro TodayThe Riverheads High School Gladiators baseball team defeated the Alleghany High School Cougars 10-0 in a game that was decided by an 8-run explosion in the 5th inning. The Gladiators' ace pitcher Brody Phillips kept the Cougars scoreless through 4 innings before the Gladiators' bats came alive in the 5th, aided by several walks issued by the Cougars' pitchers.
Why it matters
This game was a key matchup between two of the top teams in the region, with both teams coming in with only one loss on the season. The win keeps Riverheads within one game of the league-leading Wilson High School team, while the loss drops Alleghany two games back in the loss column.
The details
The game was a pitchers' duel through the first 4 innings, with Brody Phillips of Riverheads and Tucker Phillips of Alleghany each allowing just one run. In the 5th inning, the Cougars loaded the bases with two outs, but Brody Phillips got out of the jam. In the bottom of the 5th, the Gladiators then erupted for 8 runs, taking advantage of several walks issued by the Cougars' pitchers. The game ended after 5 innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
- The game was played on April 17, 2026.
- Riverheads scored 1 run in the 1st inning and 1 run in the 4th inning to take a 2-0 lead.
- Alleghany loaded the bases with 2 outs in the top of the 5th inning.
- Riverheads scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to win 10-0.
The players
Brody Phillips
The ace pitcher for the Riverheads High School Gladiators, who kept the Cougars scoreless through 4 innings.
Tucker Phillips
The starting pitcher for the Alleghany High School Cougars, who dueled with Brody Phillips through the first 4 innings.
Ethan Mulcahy
A senior player for the Riverheads Gladiators who had been out of action for most of the past two seasons due to injury, but returned to the lineup and scored a run in this game.
Daniel Craig
A sophomore player for the Riverheads Gladiators who drew a leadoff walk in the 5th inning, sparking the 8-run outburst.
Jackson Berkstresser
A freshman player for the Riverheads Gladiators who scored the game-ending 10th run in the 5th inning.
What’s next
Riverheads will next face Wilson High School later in the season, in a game that could determine the league championship. Alleghany will look to bounce back from this lopsided loss.
The takeaway
This game showcased the explosive offensive potential of the Riverheads Gladiators, who were able to quickly turn a close pitchers' duel into a blowout victory by capitalizing on walks and timely hitting in the 5th inning. The Gladiators' strong pitching and defense also played a key role in the win.
