Jones Senior Trojans Outlast Bethel Christian in Pitcher's Duel, 3-1
Jones Senior Trojans Outlast Bethel Christian in Pitcher's Duel, 3-1
The Jones Senior Trojans secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Bethel Christian Academy Trojans on Friday night in Kinston, NC. The win marked Jones Senior’s second consecutive victory, bringing their season record to 4-4. It was a stark contrast to their earlier meeting this season, where Bethel triumphed 14-7. The loss drops Bethel to 2-2 on the season.
It was a classic pitcher’s duel, with Jones’s ace, Garris Andrews, delivering a stellar performance. Andrews went the distance, tossing seven innings, allowing just two hits, one earned run, two walks, and striking out eight. Bethel’s starter, Jamey Williams, was also solid but took the loss after pitching seven innings, surrendering five hits, three runs, one walk, and striking out ten.
The Trojans struck early when Andrews, leading off the game, roped a double before being brought home by Gage Mustachia’s RBI single. Jones Senior’s offense saw contributions up and down the lineup, with the first five hitters each recording a hit on the night.
Bethel’s offense was limited, with Coulby McQueery providing the lone highlight, going 1-for-2 with the team’s only RBI.
After the game, Jones head coach Will Sutton was pleased with his team’s performance. “The team is really coming together,” Sutton said. “We’re seeing a lot of leadership from our seniors. Tonight, we made the routine plays behind a great pitching performance from Garris Andrews. He’s been solid for us all year, both at the plate and on the mound.”
Andrews, who had an impressive outing both offensively and on the hill, reflected on the win. “I just knew we had to get up there, make the plays, and throw strikes,” he said. “We had a bit of a struggle at the plate, but we got it together. Just had to throw strikes—that’s it.”
On the other side, Bethel head coach Kenny Sutton remained optimistic despite the loss. “Our offensive approach was better—not great, but better,” Sutton said. “That’s what we’re trying to do, improve as the season moves on. I told the boys, we haven’t lost anything with this game.”
Looking ahead, Jones Senior will take on East Carteret in a home-and-home series next week. Bethel, meanwhile, will head to Southside Christian on Tuesday before facing Parrott Academy in a highly anticipated matchup next Friday.
