Colonial Heights—Clutch hitting was hard to find as the Southampton Academy baseball team bowed out of the state playoffs Friday, courtesy of a 5-2 loss to conference foe Fuqua School in the semifinal round. “They got the big hits, and we didn’t,” said coach Tim Nixon. Although the Raiders managed to load the bases three separate times, after tallying two runs in the bottom of the first, their scoring dried up the rest of the way.

The Raiders’ starting pitcher, Jacob Holland, pitched well, allowing only one run through the top of the sixth inning, striking out eleven batters. Fuqua’s only early run came courtesy of a third inning solo home run.

However, after Holland put three runners on in the top of the sixth, Nixon went to the bench and brought in Tonee Hill to try and end Fuqua’s scoring threat. “It was a tough spot for Tonee, bringing him in during the middle of an inning,” Nixon said. The next Fuqua batter hit a double, scoring all three base runners and effectively putting the game out of reach.

Nixon said, “We lived and died all season on defense and pitching. We’re a young team, so our offense wasn’t always powerful.” No Raiders batter managed more than one hit for the game.

“I have no regrets — I’m happy with our season,” said Nixon. “We’re young and, barring anything unexpected, everyone’s coming back next year.”

“Fuqua is a class team. They are well coached, and I wish the best of luck to them and Tidewater Academy (in the state championship).”