2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19

Commending the Lynchburg Hillcats.

Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026

WHEREAS, the Lynchburg Hillcats, a Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians, won the Carolina League championship in 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Lynchburg Hillcats defeated the Columbia Fireflies 2–1 in a best-of-three series, winning the final game by a score of 8–2; and

WHEREAS, in the final game, the Lynchburg Hillcats took an early lead in the first inning when Riley Nelson hit a two-run home run; the team jumped up to a 4–0 lead with an RBI triple by Dean Curley and an RBI double by Cannon Peebles; and

WHEREAS, while the Columbia Fireflies responded with one run in the fourth inning and another in the eighth inning, the Lynchburg Hillcats closed out the game in spectacular fashion, scoring four runs in the ninth inning to secure the victory; and

WHEREAS, the Lynchburg Hillcats finished the game with 14 hits, and pitchers Melkis Hernandez, Will McCausland, and Cam Schuelke combined for 12 strikeouts; and

WHEREAS, the championship victory was the first for the Lynchburg Hillcats since 2017, when they were named co-champions, and the first outright championship title since 2012; and

WHEREAS, the victorious season was a tribute to the hard work of the athletes, the leadership of coaches and staff, and the support of fans and the Lynchburg community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Lynchburg Hillcats hereby be commended on winning the Carolina League championship in 2025; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Lynchburg Hillcats as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the team's achievements and best wishes for the future.