Last week on the diamond was much improved for John Milledge Academy (JMA) as the Trojans gained three wins compared to just one loss as the team finished out its regular schedule.
JMA began the week at Brentwood in Sandersville, where the Trojans won 19-3 in a four-inning, mercy rule final. Cooper Wilburn hit his fifth home run of the season against Brentwood and the 10th of his career as a Trojan. Cohen Brooks got the win on the mound after pitching all four innings and striking out three batters.
On Tuesday, JMA hosted region rival Stratford. Bud Veal started on the mound for the Trojans and struck out two batters in the first inning but allowed one run to score on a walk.
Veal took a walk of his own after leading off the bottom of the first, and then scored on a Blake Bellflower double, hit to right field. Wilburn next hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Remington Weaver from third base.
Bellflower scored from third on a passed ball before a fly out and a ground out ended the inning.
Cooper Young and Grayson Paradise both singled in the second inning for the Trojans before Veal hit a single to load the bases with one out. Remington Weaver then hit a fly ball to center field and reached base on an error while earning an RBI as Young crossed the plate to extend JMA’s lead to 4-1.
Bellflower reached base for the second time on an RBI triple, scoring three runs, followed by Wilburn hitting a single to score Bellflower and make it 8-1 on the scoreboard.
In the bottom of the third, Paradise reached base for the second time and scored when a Veal single was followed by a fielding error that allowed Paradise to score and Veal to reach second base.
Up 9-1 going into the fourth inning, Veal had another good pitching outing, striking out one batter and forcing two pop-up fly outs. The Trojans went on to win 9-2 over the Eagles, with Veal credited with his first win on the mound this season.
Veal pitched all seven innings, striking out three batters, walking three, and allowing only four hits and two runs. Bellflower had a great day at the plate with two hits, two runs scored, and four RBIs. Weaver, Veal, and Paradise each recorded two hits and two runs on the afternoon as well.
Last Thursday, JMA beat Briarwood 2-1 in a tight, low-offence game at John Kurtz Field, followed by a 9-5 loss at Stratford on Friday.
This Monday, JMA beat Brentwood 10-0 in five innings, at home on senior day. Team seniors Wilburn, Bellflower, Veal and Young were each recognized during the game.
Wilburn started for the Trojans and pitched all five innings, earning eight strikeouts with zero runs allowed. At the plate, Wilburn reached base four times in four at bats, and hit his seventh home run of the season on a solo shot to lead off the bottom of the second inning.
The Trojans will begin postseason baseball next week.