Mustangs, Jets host as baseball playoffs unfold
MADISON — James Clemens is preparing to host its first state baseball playoff series in four years when Hewitt-Trussville comes calling this weekend for a best-of-three set as the Class 7A playoffs get under way.
Meanwhile, Madison Academy is also hosting a 5A series against Boaz, albeit in the second round since all classes before 7A began a week earlier.
Then there’s the road warriors. Bob Jones opens 7A play at Vestavia Hills and Sparkman travels a little further south to Thompson.
All series are scheduled to begin with a Friday doubleheader. If necessary, Game 3’s will be played Saturday.
At Madison Academy, the Mustangs will face a program that’s familiar in Boaz. This season, the teams met in a season-opening doubleheader with Madison Academy winning the first game 9-1 and Boaz taking the second 9-6.
“(Boaz coach Adam Keenum) is a good friend of ours,’’ Mustangs head coach David Pressley said. “They’re a strong team. I think like a lot of 5A baseball in North Alabama the team that plays better is gonna win. That’s just what it is.’’
The Pirates are looking to advance past the first round since 2023, when they defeated Madison Academy in the second round on the way to the quarterfinals. The Mustangs reached the semifinals a year ago.
“We’ve played Madison Academy over the years, just about every year it seems like, either in the regular season or in the postseason,’’ Pirates coach Adam Keenum said. “We’re familiar with most of their guys, and you know they’re gonna be coached well, play the game the right way.’’
Playoffs at a glance
No. 2 HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE (26-7) at JAMES CLEMENS (22-16)
What: Class 7A playoffs, first round
Where: JetsPlex
When: Friday 5 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday (if necessary) 1 p.m.
How: The Jets won the Area 8 championship; the Huskies finished runner-up in Area 6.
Noteworthy: The teams played twice in the regular season. The Huskies won 2-0 on 2/28 when both teams combined for seven hits, and won again 4-1 on 3/31 when Hewitt-Trussville scored twice in the seventh to stretch a one-run lead.
Coach John Johnson says: “We’ve played them twice this year already. That gives us some familiarity. We played two close games with them. You know they’re gonna pitch the ball really well, they’ll be fundamentally sound. They’ve just had a good program for a long time.’’
Up next: The winner plays either Grissom or Tuscaloosa County in the quarterfinals.
No. 7 BOB JONES (25-16) at No. 1 VESTAVIA HILLS (26-11)
What: Class 7A playoffs, first round
Where: Sammy Dunn Field
When: Friday, 4:30 and 7 p.m.; Saturday (if necessary) 1 p.m.
How: The Patriots finished as runner-up in Area 8; the Rebels won Area 6
Noteworthy: Sammy Dunn Field is getting a $2.3 million makeover. … Bob Jones won its first and only state championship in 2024. … Vestavia dominated the 1990s in 6A, then the state’s largest class, with 10 straight championships from 1991-2000.
Coach Jason Smith: “(Vestavia is) a really fun place to play. I told our kids it’ll be fun. It’s one of my favorite places to play. It’s just a great atmosphere. They have huge crowds. It’s just what it’s about there. So, we’re looking forward to it.”
Up next: The winner plays either Sparkman or Thompson in the quarterfinals.
SPARKMAN (23-17) at No. 9 THOMPSON (22-17)
What: Class 7A playoffs, first round
Where: Thompson High School
When: Friday, doubleheader TBA; Saturday (if necessary) TBA
How: The Senators finished as runner-up in Area 7; the Warriors won Area 5
Noteworthy: The teams met on 3/13 with Sparkman bolting to a nine-run lead in the top of the first inning, then holding on to take a 14-10 shootout.
Senators coach Ben Stevenson says: “It wouldn’t matter if it was there or if it was at home. I mean, you’re gonna get the same team, and they’re gonna show up ready to go, and we’ve got to do the same. We’ve got to show up and, and play a complete game – pitch it well, defend it well, swing it well.’’
Up next: The winner plays either Bob Jones or Vestavia Hills in the quarterfinals.
BOAZ (24-9) at MADISON ACADEMY (23-12)
What: Class 5A playoffs, second round
Where: Madison Academy (Mike Good Stadium)
When: Friday, doubleheader TBA. Saturday (if necessary) TBA
How: The Pirates defeated West Point 5-4, 18-2 in the first round; Madison Academy defeated Fairview 1-6, 6-3, 12-5
Noteworthy: Madison Academy has won state championships four times, but none in 5A. … Boaz seeks its first state title.
Coach David Pressley says: “They’ve been successful through the years. Coach (Adam) Keenum always does a good job with the hitters and managing that pitching staff too. So we know they’ll be well coached. They don’t beat themselves.’’
Up next: The winner plays Moody or Sipsey Valley in the quarterfinals.
* Rankings by the Alabama Sports Writers Association
