The Mathews High School varsity baseball team opened its 2018 season with a 2-1 win last Thursday over the visiting Northumberland Indians. Following games against Windsor and Rappahannock, the Devils’ overall record now stands at 2-1.

The Devils were fired up to begin the season. Taking the mound for Mathews in the first inning of the Northumberland game was Tyler Moore, who struck out the side. After Moore struck out the first batter in the second, Brent Smith came in to pitch. He was spot on not giving up any runs either.

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth inning. Jalen Matthews led off with a double in the left-center gap, eventually stealing third. Patrick Blake drew a walk, putting runners on first and third for the Devils with Smith up to bat. Matthews crossed the plate on a passed ball with Blake advancing to third. Smith hit a hard ground ball to third and the Raiders’ third baseman made an error scoring Blake. That closed the book...