By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
J.U. Blacksher defeated St. Michael Catholic 10-4 last Friday, March 13, leaving the Bulldogs with a 7-3 record heading into Spring Break and the extended break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tucker Spence started on the mound for the Bulldogs, giving up one hit on which St. Michaels scored two runs during the two innings he pitched.
Freshman Josh Burkett stepped in then and pitched four innings, striking out two batters and giving up two runs on two hits.
Spence, who bats at the top of the JUB lineup, led the offense, scoring three runs on four hits. Other Bulldogs who scored were Josh Peavy, Damon Rolin, Peyton Wilkins, Michael Redditt, Josh Burkett, Talan Daughtry and Eli Smith, each of whom scored once.
“I am very pleased with the way the guys are swinging the bats,” JUB head coach Justin Mixon said. “Spence has done a great job of being a threat in the leadoff spot.”
According to Mixon, Spence leads all of Class 2A in runs scored and also carries a batting average of over .600 into the break.
Mixon also credited Wilkins with creating a spark for the team when he hit his first homerun of the season earlier this year.
“He has been working hard on hitting power, and it is paying off,” Mixon said.
Although the Bulldogs have plenty of confidence moving forward, Mixon is hopeful that the state-mandated break will not affect the team’s performance when (or if) baseball finally starts back.
“Starting the season over is going to be rough,” Mixon said. “We have been on a roll as of late and have continued to improve. We are hoping the play will continue when we return to the field.”
It is unclear at this time when baseball will be back in action, but not before Monday, April 6, when classes are scheduled to resume.