WAKEFIELD—The Appomattox River District baseball season recently began in Wakefield featuring a newly formed Colt division team from Courtland visiting the perennial powerhouse team from Wakefield/Waverly.

Many of the young men that play on these two teams are teammates, having played together for the Southampton High School Indians baseball teams.

In the first game, Wakefield/Waverly saw the return of one of the area’s premier players, Payton Holdsworth, who is still not quite at 100 percent since having Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. Payton came in and was allowed to make 16 pitches. Courtland’s Wesley Pierce was disappointed by Payton’s early departure but understood completely.

“I really wanted to face Payton — he is the standard that you can gauge yourself on, being one of the top pitchers in the area,” Pierce said.

After Holdsworth’s departure, Wakefield brought in Surry’s Justin Spiers who pitched 2 innings giving way to high school teammate J.J. Barry. The three Wakefield pitchers combined for a no hit game, walking two en route to Wakefield winning the first game 10-0 in 4 innings. Hunter Buhls bat provided three RBIs and Brett Starcher added two RBIs.

The second game would show why this area produces quality baseball players. Courtland Coach Mark Pierce didn’t need any special words to motivate his players, giving the starting pitching duties to Southampton high school’s Brendan Simms. Simms came in and stymied the Wakefield bats throwing a complete game shutout allowing just one hit, to fellow Indian Morgan Hall in the second inning, striking out eight, leading Courtland to a 5-0 win

Wakefield hosted Prince George June 30 at the Wakefield baseball Complex. Courtland traveled to Hopewell High School. Game times were 6 p.m.

Wakefield will meet Courtland again on July 14 at the D.S. Edwards Memorial Park on Rt. 35 in Sebrell. Game time is 6 p.m. Come out and watch a great evening of highly competitive Colt division baseball.