Tuesday, February 26

Bob Jones wins a big time extra inning matchup with Hazel Green in dramatic fashion, 3-2

 The talent on display Monday night at Hazel Green High School was aplenty and the game did not disappoint. It was obvious it was going to be a pitchers duel from the onset. Hazel Green starting pitcher Hunter McGriff (Shelton State signee and #48 player in the 2019 AL class) was electric on the mound. He went 5 1/3 innings while striking out 14 and scattering 4 hits. He allowed 2 earned runs, both on solo home runs. Cam Hill got the start for the Patriots and was just as impressive while going 3 1/3 innings. He struck out 5 and issued back to back walks in the 2nd inning. He allowed 2 runs, both were earned. Hill is an Auburn University commit and the #14 player in the state 2020 rankings. Junior Caden Rose (#3 player in the state 2020 rankings and a University of Alabama commit) relieved Hill in the 4th inning, inheriting a runner at 3B with only one out. He got out of the jam with a strikeout and a groundout. Rose went on to throw the next 4 innings and did not allow a run while only giving up 2 hits. He finished the game on the mound and picked up the win. Hill was the offensive leader for the Patriots collecting 3 hits in 4 at bats on the night, including a double and a homerun. Slate Alford (#5 ranked player in the state 2021 class and an Auburn University commit) had a home run in the 4th inning to tie things up. The big moment came in the top of the 8th inning as Rose led off the inning for the Patriots and promptly deposited a fastball over the left field fence. For Hazel Green, Bradley Hulin (Wallace State signee) had a homerun and Alex Sharp was responsible for the other run with a sac fly in the second inning. Bob Jones improves to 4-0 while Hazel Green falls to 1-3. The two teams will meet once again this Thursday at Bob Jones. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM.