GORHAM — Sanford pitcher Jen Jones had her worst game of the season Monday. Yet she still struck out 10 batters and the Spartans won again.
Jones is off to hot start to the season, one that has coincided with an undefeated record for Sanford. The junior right-hander has allowed eight runs ”“ not all earned ”“ while striking out 84 batters through the team’s first six games.
“I don’t know how to explain it. It’s such a great feeling,” said Jones. “And I feel like I get a lot of credit for it, but I can’t do what I do I if I didn’t have confidence in everyone ”“ and Emily Begin behind the plate. I can’t throw my curveball to Emily if I don’t trust her.”
Jones said she has complete trust in the defense behind her; one that has just a single senior ”“ Begin ”“ on the roster.
The pinnacle of Jones’ season to date came in Sanford’s second game of the season, when she struck out 20 batters as part of a perfect game in a win over Westbrook. The 10 strikeouts against Gorham was her lowest total of the season.
“I couldn’t have ever hoped for double digits every game, but I was hoping I pulled through every game,” said Jones.
Sanford head coach Mike Bailey said he isn’t completely surprised with Jones’ dominance in the circle six games through the season, as he has watched her blossom into an ace over the past two years.
“I expect it from her because I know she’s a great kid, and I know she’s worked really hard to get to this point. It isn’t just something that just suddenly came upon, she’s been working really hard to get to this point,” said Bailey.
Jones’ streak of double-digit strikeouts looked to be in peril heading into the seventh inning of Monday’s game. But with the streak ”“ and more importantly the game ”“ on the line, Jones dug deep and struck out the side, keeping the punchout streak and Sanford’s season-opening win streak intact.
“What it says about her as a kid is her personality is she’s tough and she never gets down and she keeps on battling. She didn’t have real great stuff today, but she battled through it,” said Bailey.
— Sports Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or sports@journaltribune.com. Follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.
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