West Jones scored in all but one bottom frame Saturday afternoon as the Mustangs collected win No. 1 on the season. West Jones (1-1) defeated Stringer 12-5 in Game 2 of a weekend double-header.
"We have a lot of learning to do," said West Jones baseball coach Trey Sutton. "We have some juniors and seniors on the field, but today was their first real taste [of real game experience]. We have some learning and growing to do, but I like the guys we got. I feel like we have a bunch that if they do grow, it'll be fun to watch."
The Mustangs fell to FCAHS 4-2 earlier in the day to open the 2020 season.
Things didn't look too promising early. After a two-run bottom first, West Jones gave up a grand slam in the top of the second to Stringer sophomore slugger and Mississippi State commit Jackson Parker. The bottom frame of the second West Jones failed to answer. Stringer tacked on a run in the third on an RBI single by Lance Jenkins down the third-base line and grabbed a 5-2 lead.
"Sam Hill struggled a little with his command, but normally he's been lights out for us," said Sutton. "He just had an off day today. We talked afterward, and he knows he'll throw a lot of innings for us because he has a good arm."
The West Jones ace tossed lasted two and two-thirds innings, giving up five earned runs on two hits. The bright spot for Hill was strikeouts. Hill fanned six in nearly three innings of work. Sutton said Hill was on a pitch count, thus the reason for his short outing.
“This early in the season, he’s on a pitch count,” said Sutton. “That’s why I came and got him. He was right over 70 pitches. He’ll build on that as the season grows.”
Hill, and relievers Kace Matthews and Adam Bassett combined for 14 strikeouts against 26 batters faced.
"Matthews came in and filled the zone up," added Sutton. "He did a nice job with that. Then Bassett came in to close out the game and did well also. So overall, I was pleased. When one guy struggles a little, the rest pick him up."
While there were struggles from Hill on the mound, there were none at the plate for the senior. Hill led the Mustangs with four RBI on two hits. He’s second RBI of the day tied the score at five runs apiece in the fourth. In the sixth, Hill laced a single into centerfield that scored the final two runs on the afternoon.
"Two years ago, as a sophomore, Sam hit .350 for us," Sutton said. "So we know he's a good hitter. He's a guy that has to be big for us at the plate this year. He showed today that he'd got it within him.
Kelton Keene and Lawson Odom also had two hits apiece. James Coffin and Kace Matthews had solo hits.
West Jones returns to the diamond on Monday to face Oak Grove in the Petal Tournament - weather permitting. First pitch is at 4:30 p.m.
