Bob Jones Upsets Top-Ranked Hewitt-Trussville in Dramatic Extra-Inning Showdown
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, Bob Jones secured a stunning 1-0 victory over top-ranked Hewitt-Trussville in the 7A quarterfinal playoff series, with Mason Rinehart delivering a decisive double in the 10th inning and Tanner Hermesch showcasing his pitching prowess with a complete-game shutout.
The win puts Bob Jones (35-10) ahead 1-0 in the best-of-three series, which will continue on Monday. The tension-filled game saw both teams battling fiercely, with neither able to score until Rinehart’s clutch performance in the extra inning. With one out in the top of the 10th, Robert Chatmon II earned a walk, setting the stage for Rinehart, who delivered a deep shot into center field, bringing Chatmon home.
“It was a dog fight all game,” Rinehart said. “I knew I had to do it for my boys. We fought hard to get here.”
Hewitt-Trussville (33-3) brought the heat with Christian Helmers on the mound. He pitched brilliantly for eight innings, allowing just one hit and striking out nine batters. Despite his stellar performance, he was relieved in the ninth inning by Blake Bales, who ultimately received the loss. The Huskies managed a final rally in the bottom of the 10th, but Bob Jones’ defense held strong.
Hermesch earned the title of “Star of the Series” by throwing a complete game, striking out 12 batters and allowing only seven hits. “I just threw strikes,” he said about the pitcher’s duel compared to Hewitt-Trussville’s Helmers.
Coaches praised the intensity of the game, highlighting the remarkable performances from both teams. The action resumes on Monday at 4:30 p.m., with a decisive Game 2 set to follow shortly after.
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