ORFORD — A brilliant spring afternoon on Tuesday was the stage for a season-opening clash between the White River Valley and Rivendell baseball teams. The Wildcats got the better of the host Raptors, 8-0, on the strength of a combined two-hitter by hurlers Robby McShinsky, Donovan Craven and Wyatt Cadwell.

McShinsky went the first 4 ⅓ innings, allowing one hit while striking out seven against two walks. Craven added three Ks in 1 ⅔ innings of no-hit relief. Cadwell picked up an inning of relief to close out the win.

McShinsky led the way at the dish for the Wildcats as well, going 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Ty Couture was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Brayden Russ had a hit and scored twice. Craven, Cadwell and Finn Bailey also had hits, with Craven and Bailey scoring a run and Cadwell picking up a RBI.

WRV (1-0) will host Leland & Gray on Saturday. Rivendell (0-1) visits West Rutland on Thursday.

SOFTBALLBurr & Burton 17, Windsor 9

WINDSOR — The Yellowjackets opened their season with a loss to the Bulldogs on Tuesday, allowing five runs in the third inning and eight in the fifth.

Burr & Burton was on the verge of a run-rule victory, ahead 14-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, but Windsor scored four runs in that inning, then three more i the sixth to stay alive. Lisa Todd singled, doubled and scored twice for the Yellowjackets, Mackenzie Daniels also had two hits, and Brianna Barton reached base in all four of her plate appearances with three walks and a triple, scoring three runs.

Molly Burke went the distance in the pitcher’s circle, striking out nine but allowing 12 hits and 10 walks.

Windsor (0-1) is at Thetford on Saturday. The Yellowjackets edged the Panthers, 7-6, in last year’s VPA Division III first round.

BOYS LACROSSEHartford 12, Mount Anthony 4

BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Hurricanes, runners-up in the VPA Division II playoffs last spring, opened the 2023 season Tuesday with a lopsided win over the Patriots. Hartford (1-0) is at Burlington next Tuesday.

Plymouth 15, Stevens 1

CLAREMONT — The Cardinals, coming off a winless 2022 season, fell in their opening game. Stevens (0-1) hosts Laconia on Thursday.

TRACK AND FIELDMascoma falls to John Stark

WEARE, N.H. — Jenney Lutz picked up four first-place finishes for the Royals, winning the 100, 200 and 400 meters as well as the triple jump, but the Mascoma girls came up short against the Generals, 74-37. The boys also lost, 81.5-35.5.

Garrett Giovagnoli won the discus and the triple jump for Mascoma, Gunner Currier took first in the 300-meter hurdles and Carter Nadeau won the 100. Only 12 boys and five girls made the trip for the Royals due to vacations.

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