James Clemens gets first win over Bob Jones in doubleheader split
Tucker Clark swings through a pitch in the early game
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- The hits and runs kept coming for James Clemens in the first inning of the second game of a doubleheader with Bob Jones on Tuesday night. The Jets would need every one of them as they hung on for a 10-8 win, their first ever over Bob Jones in baseball.
After winning the first game 4-0 Bob Jones Coach David Langston threw lefty Jesse Wheeler in the nightcap but the game took on a more serious tone when Wheeler couldn’t get out of the first inning as James Clemens batted around and scored nine runs before Joe Trussell got the third out.
Jordan Anderson and Eric Patterson started the game with hits and came around to score on Wheeler’s throwing error to first base. Nic Sainato’s RBI single made it 5-0 and Langston had seen enough and brought Trussell in to relieve Wheeler. Tyler Lind and Tucker Clark each added 2-run singles for a 9-0 lead after one inning.
Sammy Dennis worked four innings and got the win for James Clemens. Mike Bernier had three hits and three RBI for Bob Jones.
Sammy Dennis got the win for James Clemens in the second game
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
In the first game, Matt Sanders had a strong outing for Bob Jones as he pitched a complete game allowing only one hit and a walk. James Clemens started Jacob Phillips who pitched six innings and was relieved by Tucker Clark.
Neither team used their top starting pitchers, opting to save them for area openers.
For Bob Jones that would be Grant Chandler, a Jacksonville State signee who is the top pitcher and also plays first base.
The game allowed Bob Jones coach Langston to get a look at some role players that he will need to step up and contribute.
“We’re just trying to get better every day,” Langston said after game one. “This past weekend we had a lot of guys step in and play really well for us. We still got a long way to go about what we’re trying to accomplish, so it’s kind of a grind right now. We had some good at bats and Matt went out and threw strikes and gave us a chance to win.”
The early season has been a time of adjustment as Bob Jones players and first-year coach Langston get on the same page. The Patriots appear to be rounding into shape just in time.
“Grant is swinging the bat really well for us. Collin has swung well the past few games. We’re just trying to get everybody going,” Langston said.
Bob Jones returns a solid nucleus led by Matt Sanders who was All-State as a junior last year. Sanders is a Troy State signee who pitches and plays shortstop. Trey Ward takes over at second where Sanders played last year. Catcher Collin Dupree is a Montevallo signee and Wheeler has signed with Marion Military Institute.
“We started the season off slow and it feels good to get back into rhythm these last five games and come over to the cross-town rivals and get one under our belt,” said Dupree after the first game. “We have a lot of returning players plus a lot of new guys have played a big role for us. We had two sophomores playing short and third (Trammell Shepherd and Zack Duvall).”
Nathan Burch is solid in right field and junior Mike Bernier and Jordan Leitstein round out the outfield.
Bob Jones came into the double header on a five game winning streak. The Patriots first area games will be against Hazel Green with a home game on March 21 and two away the next day. Buckhorn on April 4-5 and Sparkman on April 10 (Thursday) and 11 follow.
James Clemens gets into area action this Friday hosting Austin and going to Austin on Saturday. The Jets play Florence the next Friday/Saturday series and wrap up area play against Decatur April 4 and 5.
