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As we prepare for the third annual Commonwealth Classic, we will preview each opening matchup by looking closely at each team in the matchup. 

The Commonwealth Classic will take place on Saturday, April 12, and Monday, April 14, at multiple locations in the Richmond area. Games on the first day of action at each site will be at 10 am and 1 pm at Ironbridge Academy in Chester and the evening games will be at 4 pm and 7 pm at RF&P and Deep Run HS. The morning games are set, but the afternoon games and locations will be determined based on the morning results, with winners playing winners at RF&P. Monday games will be throughout the day, again based on Saturday results, with the Championship Game being at 7 pm at RF&P Park.

By a coinflip in our pre-tournament meeting, Abingdon will be the home team in this game.

-->>Tournament Details (Schedule, Sites, Gate Info, Etc) <<--

Abingdon Falcons

 

The southwest Virginia powerhouse will make their first trip to Commonwealth Classic this year. Coach Francisco's club is off to a 6-1 start in 2025. The Top 10 ranked Falcons have wins over Lebanon and Central (Wise) early this season, and their lone loss came to Powell HS (TN). As expected, a couple of the big names like Jett Humphreys (William & Mary), Hayden Reed (Virginia Tech), and Landon Turman (East Carolina) have done some of the heavy lifting thus far, but don't discount the contributions and value of guys like Elijah Parks and sophomore catcher Judge Dillow. While they have more than enough talent to hang with anyone, it will be interesting to see how the perennial power Falcons handle a different level of competition than they are probably used to seeing for three straight games.

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Gonzaga Eagles

 

The Eagles, like some others, have had some some ups and downs early on. More specifically, this team has struggled to get healthy early on, but are getting some of their premier guys back like Bryant James (Duke). While they have been banged up a little bit, there are some positives to that, like establishing some depth and putting some other guys in the fire. After a tough loss at Frank W. Cox on March 22, Gonzaga has reeled off five wins in the last six games, including a win over St. Alban's and OLGC. The Eagles don't necessarily have "big stuff" arms, but they have arms who compete and it will be very important for those arms to keep that offense in the game, especially early in games. 

What To Expect

This is a clash of two different worlds, deep southwest, rural Virginia versus the hustle and bustle of DC. The Falcons of Abingdon have experience, lineup depth, arm depth, and the roster makeup to make a run at this tournament. The Eagles play a tougher schedule day in and day out, have some quality athleticism on the roster, and have some arms who compete when the lights come on. The two potential biggest questions are: How will Abingdon respond if/when the opposition answers the challenge that their lineup presents? Will Gonzaga's pitching staff be able to get off to a quality start and allow that offense to settle in?