The third annual Guns and Hoses Softball Games took place at Virginia Military Institute’s Lamore Field at Gray-Minor Stadium and drew 500-700 fans, raising money for the Guns and Hoses Scholarship fund and collecting pet food and supplies for the SPCA. The scholarship recipients were two 2026 graduates, Rockbridge County High School’s Hayley Higgins and Parry McCluer High School’s Landon Orren. The Guns (black jerseys), comprised of local police officers and members of the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, won their third consecutive title by overcoming the Hoses 15-13 in the first game. The Hoses (gray jerseys), made up of members from the local fire departments, earned a 16-12 win in the second game. The event was organized by VMI Police 1st Sgt. Seth Clark. BELOW, VMI head baseball coach Sam Roberts gets ready to throw the first pitch while his son watches. MIDDLE ROW, AT RIGHT, Players and coaches join the crowd in a moment of silence for the late RC baseball coach, Travis Roadcap, who died on July 16 at age 34. BOTTOM RIGHT, Clark embraces Andy Fischer, who recently retired from the Virginia State Police after a career of more than 40 years. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photos)
