Jones edges Shelton State in three one-run games to take series

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 14 Jones edged No. 23 Shelton State in a three-game series, winning two of three with all contests decided by one run, according to the schools. The teams split a pair of close games Saturday, with the final game also decided by a single run.

Jones improved to 15-5 overall, while Shelton State, a 2022 World Series participant, fell to 7-7. In the first game, Slade Sullivan drove in a run with a single in the second inning, providing the only run of the game. Chase Russell pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and one run, but took the loss. Eli Driskell started for Shelton State and threw 5.2 no-hit innings before being replaced by Corbin Hamrac to finish the game.

The second game saw Jones rally from an early 4-1 deficit after three innings. The Bobcats scored four runs in the fourth inning and held on with a strong 3.1-inning performance from Trevor Hodges, who earned the win. Jones manufactured their first three runs via a passed ball, hit-by-pitch, and sacrifice fly. Brayden Quick led off the fourth with a hit-by-pitch, Warren Hutchinson walked, and Collin Haney singled to load the bases. Walker Long then drew a pinch-hit walk to cut the deficit, and Kelan Guidry followed with a game-tying double. Sanders Ainsworth’s groundout put Jones ahead for good. Hodges retired the final nine batters to secure the save.

The Bobcats are set to host Holmes and Itawamba on Tuesday in a round-robin tournament at Community Bank Park, starting at noon. Tickets cost $8 online or $10 cash at the gate. The games will be streamed at jcbobcats.com/watch.

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