James Clemens punches ticket for playoffs with win over Bob Jones

MADISON- Needing a win and they are in, James Clemens took matters into their own hands Friday afternoon and defeated Bob Jones 9-0 in a game both teams wanted. Bob Jones had clinched the area title but sought to go a perfect 6-0 in area play.

Instead, it was Jets pitcher Jackson Reece who threw a seven-inning shutout while striking out 9 and facing only 4 batters over the minimum.

Reece has almost single-handedly pitched the Jets into the playoffs. The junior lefty has gone 3-0 in area play winning game two against Buckhorn, Sparkman, and now Bob Jones.

“We came out focused with a business-like approach and we knew it was a tall task coming to their park and we knew what was on the line. I’m proud of the way our guys played today. This was a big win for us,” James Clemens coach Cory Hamrick said. “We were aggressive running the bases and it paid off for us. We are excited to be in the playoffs, it’s been a long time. I’m happy for the school and the program and Madison can be proud for both Bob Jones and James Clemens to make the playoffs.”

Reece worked perfect innings in the first, second, and fifth innings. He picked off Caden Rose with a throw to first base in the second.  He went, through the Bob Jones batting order three times and only two Bob Jones baserunners reached third base. He ended the sixth inning with a strikeout of Dylan Ray.

Reece (6-2) was still going strong in the seventh striking out Josh Lymon and Colby Williams.

The Jets started quickly against Bob Jones starter Ben East with runs in the first and second innings before breaking it open with five in the fourth.

Connor Cantrell scored on a throwing error, Connor Brown had an RBI single and a fielding error allowed Dylan Kridner to score, then Canon Clark added a two-run single.

Officially Bob Jones was charged with three errors but there was a seasons-worth of misplays due mainly to aggressive base running of the Jets. In the fifth Stuart Edge relieved East.

One of the leaders on the Jets is senior catcher Tommy Crider had a double in the sixth.

Ryan Folts came in the pitch for Bob Jones in the seventh and the Jets added a run off him. Jackson Taylor had a hit and Connor Cantrell had an RBI single.

“It will be a tall task going down to Mountain Brook or Oak Mountain but we will have some confidence and go down there and compete,” Hambrick said.

James Clemens has 16 seniors and it meant a lot to them to get an area win over Bob Jones, the first for James Clemens in over 3 years.

The teams played game 3 which had no bearing on the playoffs and Bob Jones bounced back with a 9-2 win to wrap up the regular season for both teams.