Reagan Bumgarner’s Power Leads Woodington Raiders to Season-Opening Rout of CSS
Submitted by: Kathy Bumgarner
CSS had no answer for Woodington’s explosive offense as the Raiders opened their season with a dominant 22-1 victory on Thursday, powered by Reagan Bumgarner’s two home runs and four RBIs.
Bumgarner wasted no time making an impact, launching inside-the-park home runs in both the second and third innings to fuel Woodington’s offensive outburst. The Raiders set the tone early, jumping ahead in the first inning behind a run-scoring single from Bumgarner, a fielder’s choice by Blaire Howard that plated two runs, and an inside-the-park home run from Chesleigh Moore. Raelyn Phelps added to the scoring with an RBI single, helping Woodington take firm control.
The second inning saw even more fireworks. Lyndsay Philyaw sparked the frame with a triple to center field, followed by Bumgarner’s second inside-the-park homer. Howard doubled down the left field line, and Emily Jones’ popout turned into a double play, but not before another run crossed the plate.
The Raiders blew the game wide open in the third, pushing across 10 more runs on five hits. Bumgarner’s bat remained hot, driving in two more runs on an inside-the-park homer, while Kassidy Simmons’ RBI single and Raelyn Phelps’ bases-loaded walk kept the pressure on. The highlight of the inning came from Philyaw, who crushed an inside-the-park grand slam, capping off Woodington’s offensive clinic.
Howard Dominates in the Circle
Howard picked up the win in dominant fashion, allowing zero hits and one unearned run over three innings while striking out seven and walking three. Dalila, CSS’s starter, struggled against Woodington’s relentless offense, giving up nine hits and 12 runs (nine earned) over two innings with three strikeouts and two walks.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
Woodington racked up 14 hits, with Philyaw leading the charge at the leadoff spot, going 4-for-4. Bumgarner and Howard also recorded multiple hits, while McKinley Turner showed patience at the plate, drawing two walks. The Raiders flashed their aggressiveness on the basepaths, stealing eight bases, with Turner, Philyaw, and Bumgarner each swiping multiple bags.
CSS managed to turn one double play in the game, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Woodington’s offensive onslaught.
Up Next
The Raiders look to keep the momentum rolling when they travel to Greene on Wednesday for their second game of the season.
With their first game in the books, Woodington has sent a clear message: their offense is a force to be reckoned with this season.
