The Vina baseball team lost a heartbreaker in Coach Donovan Hand’s debut as the team’s head coach – but the story wouldn’t stop there for the intrepid Red Devils.

Phillips defeated Vina on a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 13-12, but the Red Devils got redemption from their season-opening loss to Phillips with an 11-5 win over the Bears the next night.

Phillips 13, Vina 12

In a game with multiple lead changes throughout the night, Vina took a 12-10 lead in the top of the seventh inning versus Phillips. Some crucial errors by Vina, however, eventually led to the walk-off single that won the game for the Bears.

Vina’s Isaac Shelton was 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Jacob Lewis went 3-for-3 with a double, triple and two RBIs. Isac Harper went four strong innings, allowing two earned runs and four runs overall. Harper also went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs.

Vina 11, Phillips 5

“This was a big win for our program,” said Vina head coach Donovan Hand, “to come back after losing a game the night before in such a tough way. We had control of the game. We faced adversity and won. That means we are on the right path with the Vina baseball program.”

Haze Weatherford gave the Red Devils four strong innings on the mound with seven strikeouts. He gave up two earned runs on two hits while walking three batters and also went 2-for-4 at the plate with two stolen bases.

Jackson Landers finished the game to earn the win, going three innings with four strikeouts, two walks and two runs.

Glen Ashley had two hits and scored two runs. Shelton was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Braden Moomaw walked four times and scored four runs and stole three bases.

Vina 11, Hubbertville 10

The Vina Red Devils held off the Hubbertville Lions, getting another win 11-10 last week.

Trenton Alack came in to pitch with the bases loaded and up one run, and he forced a ground out to win the game.

Vina scored four runs in the first inning and four runs in the second inning to take control of the game early.  Although Vina was leading 10-2, Hubbertville staged a strong comeback attempt, scoring eight runs in the top of the seventh inning, but the Red Devils closed out the game.

Chance Kennedy went four strong innings on the mound for Vina, striking out nine, giving up one hit and walking one.

Shelton went 2-for-5 with four RBIs. Zach Davidson went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and also went two innings on the mound with two strikeouts and a walk.