Warhorses score Senior Night win

Owen celebrates seven seniors with 2-1 victory over Mountain Heritage

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 29, 2026

Hearty laughs and friendly jokes could be heard echoing from the Warhorse dugout, April 28, as seven seniors suited up for the final regular season home game of their careers.

The celebratory atmosphere continued throughout the night, as the Owen baseball team rewarded its veteran player with a 2-1 victory over Mountain Heritage.

The Western Highlands Conference matchup opened with a ceremony recognizing Jackson Warnock, Gavin Hooks, Hayden Burpeau, Gabe Mahar, Asante Martin, Houston Mashburn and Graham Harrison, who were escorted by family members to home plate. The group was greeted by Owen head coach Jackson Shaw, presented with gifts and received an ovation from the home fans.

Warnock, who started on the mound for the Warhorses, held the Cougars scoreless through two innings, before a successful bunt attempt gave the visiting team a 1-0 advantage in the third. Mahar responded with a 2-run double in the bottom in the frame.

Warnock, who finished the contest with 5 strikeouts in 6.1 innings on the mound, held the lead before handing the ball to Burpeau to close out the seventh inning.

Owen improved to 6-14 this season with the victory, while the Cougars fell to 2-16.

The Warhorses will close their regular season campaign at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 1, when they travel to Yancey County to face Mountain Heritage in the series finale.

Photos of Owen baseball senior night can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.