Culpeper moves one step closer

The 9-10 Culpeper American All-Stars team moved one step closer to a district title and a berth in the state tournament Thursday with a 13-3 victory over Louisa.

Louisa had gotten the best of Culpeper in their previous two tournament meetings, but starting pitcher David Laird held Louisa to two hits and Tim Stephan made a sliding catch in right field to secure the game’s final out and the win.

Culpeper racked up 12 hits in the game. Centerfielder Kevin Devine led the team going 3-for-4 with a double and four RBIs, while shortstop Josh Pittman went 1-for-2 with three RBIs and second baseman Colin Glenny finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Catcher Ray Tricarico went 2-for-4 with an RBI, leftfielder Zach Thomas finished 1-for-2 with an RBI and Laird and Stephan both went 1-for-1 with an RBI.

Culpeper and Louisa will meet again today at 6 p.m. in Monticello.