Brock Netter, Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE — Jackson already had a share of the FAC title before even taking the field on Friday.
However, the Ironmen wanted it all to themselves.
They trotted out Gaven Jones to the mound, and the senior ace did what he does best.
Jones tossed a complete game, allowing six hits while striking out six batters as Jackson took down Miami Trace by a 5-1 final, claiming the outright league crown.
“We put a saddle on Gaven’s back every time he pitches and we ride him until the game is over. That’s how much we trust him and how confident we are he’ll get the job done at every turn,” Jackson coach Josh McGraw said. “I know he was dealing with some soreness, but he’ll never admit that because he wants the ball in these big moments. He threw more pitches than I would have liked, but he probably wouldn’t have given up the ball anyway. He pitched a fantastic game.”
CREDIT: Raymond Gleadle/SOSA
The victory also marks back-to-back outright FAC championships, while moving the team’s record to 19-0.
“Winning a conference title is hard, let alone going back-to-back. The FAC is a tough, unpredictable conference and you have to be ready every single night,” McGraw said. “There’s a lot of great players and great coaching in the FAC, and our guys stand alone at the top. A lot of these guys are two-or-three-sport athletes, and losing isn’t an option for them. They take a lot of pride in being champions, and it’s awesome to stand at the top of the conference.”
Following two scoreless innings, Jackson’s Easton McGraw drew a walk to lead off the third. He advanced to second on a passed ball and got to third on a sacrifice bunt.
Then Miami Trace committed a fielding error that allowed McGraw to score, putting Jackson ahead 1-0.
Two innings later, Jensen Greene smoked a one-out triple into deep right-center field. He went on to score on a wild pitch, pushing the lead to 2-0.
That was all the run support Jones needed. He was in full command, escaping jams and trusting his defense, led by McGraw and Ryan Seimetz from their third base and shortstop positions, respectively.
PHOTOS: Images from Jackson’s win over Miami Trace
“Those two guys play their spots so effectively well, they’re just black holes. Everything gets swallowed up and nothing gets by them,” Josh McGraw said. “Easton is the small guy on the team, yet plays third base and doesn’t make many errors. Ryan is a three-year starter and is such a great athlete who gets better every single night. They’re fun to watch and the epitome of guys who do their jobs.”
While two runs was enough for Jones, his teammates didn’t think so.
After working back-to-back walks to open the sixth, Tucker Williams and Bodhi Wolford collected back-to-back RBI singles that extended the lead to 4-0.
Jackson added one more in the seventh on a bases loaded walk, while Miami Trace (14-3, 6-3 FAC) scored off a fielding error before Jones put the finishing touches on a conference title victory.
“Our guys came into the game focused and really loose. Baseball doesn’t change no matter what is on the line, it’s still hitting, pitching and fielding,” McGraw said. “We started a little slow, but that’s also credit to [Miami Trace pitcher Gaige] Stuckey, he’s a really good pitcher and a heck of a player. However, we learned from each at-bat and only got better as the game went on, which is how you beat Miami Trace. We got out chances late in the game and took full advantage. I’m so happy for the kids and they deserve all the credit for the season we’ve had up to this point.”
Following Jones’ stat line, Seimetz and Wolford each finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Williams and Noah Ernst each had a hit and an RBI.
Gaige Stuckey took the loss for Miami Trace, throwing six innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out 14 batters.
Jackson (19-1, 9-0 FAC) suffered its first loss on Saturday in a 7-3 defeat to Athens. The Ironmen returns to action on Tuesday at home against Miami Trace, while the Panthers play at Carroll Academy on Monday.
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