Jackets give Justin Swenson first victory over brother, Iowa Park

SHS fell to No. 3 Godley in 8 innings Friday, hosted Iowa Park Saturday

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By BRAD KEITH
TheFlashToday.com

STEPHENVILLE (March 25, 2017) — Justin Swenson squared perfectly, fielded the sharp grounder on a hop and lobbed the ball accurately across the field to his brother.

But it wasn’t a routine ground out to third. Swenson, the second year head coach of Stephenville, fielded the ball in his coaching box outside the third base line, then lobbed it all the way to his brother, Iowa Park head coach Michael Swenson, in the Iowa Park dugout.

Such was the atmosphere with playful brothers coaching teams in a Saturday break from their respective district races. Justin and the Yellow Jackets lost to Michael and Iowa Park in their previous two Swenson vs. Swenson battles, one last season and one earlier this season. But on Saturday, it was little brother – Justin – who finally got to celebrate.

Stephenville won, 6-3 at James T. Young Baseball Field Saturday, giving Justin Swenson over his brother and past boss. He was the top assistant at Iowa Park until leaving his brother’s staff to become head coach at Stephenville.

The win was right on time for the Yellow Jackets, as they got a victorious breather from 8-4A district play, where they have lost three straight including 5-3 to No. 3 ranked Godley in eight innings Friday night.

But on Saturday, the Jackets (12-5-2) avoided allowing the unearned runs that have haunted them in their district losing streak, led by Luke Bullard who shut out Iowa Park over 4.1 innings in relief. He allowed just two base runners on a hit and a walk. Mason Castleberry allowed just one hit while closing out the win in the seventh.

Easton Jones was 2-for-3 with an RBI double, while Kade Averhoff also doubled and scored a run on his way to 2-for-3. Derek Gifford singled twice and scored, and Seth Heupel matched his 2-for-3 with two singles. Gatlin Wells drove in two runs with his only hit in two plate appearances.

The loss to No. 3 Godley Friday was especially disappointing because Stephenville yielded three unearned runs and stranded five runners in the sixth and seventh innings before losing in the eighth. Godley scored its runs with just four hits and two walks thanks to four Stephenville errors.

The Jackets also had just four hits with only one walk, and Godley played error-free defense. Caleb Gibbons was 2-for-3 with an RBI double and also drew a walk. Averhoff was 1-for-2 with an RBI and Wells had the only remaining hit.

Gibbons pitched the first 5.2 innings before the new UIL mandated pitch count became a factor. Not allowed to face a new batter after his 110th pitch, Gibbons was pulled after No. 108. he went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs – none of them earned. He struck around nine but walked six while allowing two hits.

Caleb Smith pitched 2.1 innings in relief and allowed two runs – both earned – on two hits and three walks. He also struck out three.

Brett Brown went 5.1 innings, surrendering three runs – two earned – on two hits and five walks while striking out five. The Texas A&M commit turned the hill over to Bobby Goodloe, the winning pitcher, for 2.2 innings in relief. He walked three and allowed three hits but did not surrender a run while striking out three.

Stephenville returns to 8-4A play and stays at home Tuesday when Life Waxahachie comes knocking at 7:30 p.m.


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