Mobley sets pace for Patriots win over Jefferson

By Jarrett Guthrie
Editor

NEW TAMPA – Freedom’s Evan Mobley felt like he had a pretty good read on Jefferson pitcher Anthony Linares’ pickoff move. So, when the Dragons freshman hurler stepped toward first base, the Patriots senior took off from third toward the plate, sliding across with a steal of home, padding a lead Mobley had already helped with an RBI fielder’s choice to get aboard.

Those fourth and fifth runs proved pivotal to Mobley’s success, as he set the pace on the mound delivering a complete-game effort as Freedom picked up a district win against visiting Jefferson, 5-3.

“That was a first for high school for me,” Mobley said. “I picked up on his move and told myself if he goes to first, I’m going.”

His catcher, Patriots junior Gio Mendoza said he loved seeing the heads-up read from Mobley – but admitted it’s not something he regularly sees from a game’s starting pitcher.

“No,” Mendoza said with a chuckle, “maybe (Angels two-way star) Shohei (Ohtani). But that’s about it.”

Mobley, who in his last outing took a tough 1-0 loss to Strawberry Crest despite another complete game, said after two losses (also dropping a 9-3 decision to Strawberry Crest) it was crucial to come out and get a district win to start the Patriots’ three-game slate this week.

“We lost two very hard-fought games last week, and with two more games to go this week, winning this first one sets the tone for the rest of the week,” Mobley said.

Mobley allowed three runs on three hits, and struck out eight to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Raul Olivera led off the home-first with a single, moved to second on a Lucas Richardson sac bunt, stole third and scored on a Mendoza infield single to short. Aidan Kraf doubled to put two in scoring position, then taking a huge lead he drew a pickoff throw and worked a rundown long enough for courtesy runner Tommy Bradley to cross before the third out.

Freedom’s Raul Olivera steals third in the first inning.

Jefferson (5-8, 1-2 in 5A-6) put itself in a tough spot, as the young Dragons (just one senior – catcher Alejandro Montoya started on Monday) committed three errors and a few other mental miscues.

However, the Dragons kept fighting throughout as Linares allowed just a single earned run in three innings. Jefferson cut the lead in half in the second when Jayden Vazquez walked and came around to score on a wild pitch, and added two runs in the sixth with freshman Jamarques Benton leading off with a single, followed by Vazquez later reaching on a hit-by-pitch – and both scoring when Joseph Fritz (2-for-3) popped a double by a diving Freedom outfielder.

Patriots skipper Tripp Merrell said Mobley’s ability to recover from a tough inning was crucial to the win.

“When your pitcher has the confidence to go out there and shake it off, let it go, pitch and be a dog every time, it makes the defense play that way and transitions over to the offensive side,” Merrell said. “It propelled our team tonight to do the things it’s supposed to be doing.”

Merrell said he was also impressed with Jefferson and expects – youth or no – the Dragons to again be trouble come the postseason along with a tough top of the district, which also includes Jesuit and Hillsborough.

“I’ve played against (Jefferson head coach) Spencer (Nuñez) and (assistant coach) Casey (Nuñez) my whole life and I think their team will put it together this year,” Merrell said. “I don’t think this is a build for them, I think they have the talent to put it together in a hurry.

“We are hoping to get four (district) teams into regionals this year and I think we can do it.”

Freedom (8-4, 2-0 in 5A-6) answered the Dragons second-inning run in the home-half as EJ Reyes singled, moved over on a sac bunt by Kraf and scored on a Joey Wey single.

Both catchers – Mendoza and Montada – caught potential base stealers in the game.

Jefferson senior Julian Vargas took over on the mound to start the fourth, pitching three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and struck out four.

The Patriots travel to Armwood on Wednesday, before a game with Wharton at home on Thursday. And even with the rivalry game with New Tampa neighbor Wharton ahead this week, Mendoza said it was crucial to get the stretch started with a win.

“We played two great games last week and came up short,” Mendoza said, echoing his battery-mate. “I think it was really important to start the week with a win – especially within our district.”

Jefferson will host Sickles on Thursday in West Tampa.

Freedom 5
Jefferson 3

J 010|002|0 – |3|3|3
F 212|000|x – |5|9|1
W – Mobley (2-1); L – Linares (1-3)
2B – Fritz (J); Kraf (F). Records – J (6-8, 1-2 in 5A-6); F (8-4, 1-0 in 5A-6).