Diamond Knights
By Jason S. Rufner
The Leesburg Knights, representing Post 181 of the American Legion, hold a district record of 7-0 and an overall mark of 8-1, good for first place in District 16 of the Legion's Department of Virginia.
The Knights ran off five consecutive victories to open the American Legion season before falling 15-10 to Vienna Post 180 on June 25. They have won three straight since, all on the road.
Leesburg Post 181's roster is studded with all-district selections from the Dulles and Liberty districts, along with a few college players home for the summer. The Knights are hitting .357 as a team, outscoring opponents 99-39.
"Everybody is supplying the offense," Leesburg manager Tom Whipple said. "From top to bottom, they're getting the opportunities and they're delivering."
Kyle Irish, former Park View Patriot and current Shenandoah Hornet, leads the Knights with a .579 average and seven RBI. T.J. Harrington and Matt Irwin also sport averages above .500.
Geoff McCowat owns a 3-0 record with a 0.98 ERA, while lefty Cole Shain is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA. Each has taken a no-hitter into the sixth inning.
Leesburg will take on the district's second-place team, Warrenton Post 72, July 9 at Park View High School.
Loudoun's other Legion squad, Purcellville Post 293, is 3-11 in District 16, 0-2 outside of it. Purcellville will take on district foe East Rockingham July 9 at Fireman's Field.
The District 16 tournament will take place July 24-30 at Fireman's Field.