Bob Jones and Tuscaloosa County Split Tense Doubleheader in Class 7A Semifinals
In a thrilling doubleheader, the second-ranked Bob Jones Patriots split with No. 10 Tuscaloosa County, setting up a decisive Game 3 in their Class 7A semifinal series. Bob Jones secured a 4-3 victory in the opener, with Cole Spainer scoring the go-ahead run in extra innings. The Wildcats retaliated in the nightcap, winning 10-8 after a fierce comeback from the Patriots fell just short.
In the first game, Bob Jones opened strong, leading 2-0 early. Despite Tuscaloosa County tying the game in the fourth and forcing extras, Spainer capitalized on a lead-off error to score the game-winner in the eighth. Bob Jones coach Jared Smith praised his players for their resilience.
Game 2 saw Tuscaloosa County jump ahead with a 4-0 lead, as Brooks Mellown and Jashaun Moten contributed key hits. Bob Jones eventually tied it at 4-4 following a rally, but the Wildcats regained control to lead 10-4 by the sixth inning, thanks to a series of walks and hits. Spainer’s double late in the game allowed Bob Jones to narrow the gap to 10-8, but Tanner Hermesch’s would-be walk-off home run fell short.
Statistically, Spainer stood out, going 3-for-8 with four RBIs over the two games. On the mound, Hermesch earned the win in the opener, while Tuscaloosa’s Brooks Mellown clinched the second game’s victory.
Looking ahead, both teams are preparing for an intense Game 3 scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., where the winner will advance to face No. 3 Enterprise in the title series. As Coach Smith noted, “Hopefully, we’ll get out ahead and close it out.” Meanwhile, Tuscaloosa County coach Nick Richardson emphasized his team’s resilience, saying, “All the momentum is in our dugout.”
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