Patriots Fall To West, 5-0

JCHS vs. Morristown West, March 24, 2014
Staff Photo by Mike Stanley, Jefferson County Post Sports

Morristown West scored 2 runs in the top of the first inning, and on a night when the Patriots just couldn’t find their stroke at the plate, that would be enough. Will Heflin dominated on the mound for the Trojans, allowing only two hits while striking out nine in six innings of work. Jefferson County Head Coach Gaines Cox also complimented Heflin, “He is tough, a very good pitcher.”

The Trojans would plate 2 runs in the top of the first inning on 4 hits and hold a 2-0 advantage heading to the bottom of the inning. Jefferson County would manage to get 2 runners on base, with 2 walks, but couldn’t manage to get one to the plate. Jefferson County trailed 2-0 after one inning. The Patriots would appear to hold Morristown West scoreless in the top part of the second inning. However, a no call by the umpire on what appeared to be interference at second base during an attempt at a double play would allow the Trojans to take a 3-0 lead after one and half innings of play. Heflin would retire his next 6 batters over 2 innings and the Trojans would be in control 5-0 after 3. The Patriots would leave the bases loaded in the fourth inning and could not convert on what would be their best scoring opportunity of the ball game. In the sixth, Malik Kyle would rip a double to right centerfield with one out. Kyle Briggs would step up to the plate and crush a ball over the right field wall. That ball was just foul and Briggs would strikeout later in the at bat. That would be the Patriots last scoring threat as they were shutout for the first time this season and fall, 5-0.

“We gave ourselves some chances early, but they were all with two outs.” Coach Cox said. Junior Logan Hayes pitched yet another good game giving up 4 earned runs while striking out 3. He also threw nearly 70% of his 81 total pitches for strikes and not allowing any bases on balls.

Jefferson County falls to 6-3 (3-3 IMAC) on the season and return to action Wednesday at 4:45 against this same Morristown West team in Morristown. They also will play a three day tournament in Sevier County, March 27-29 , in the Smoky Mountain Invitational at four different Sevier County High School’s.