Washington School pitcher Patrick Spencer is only an eighth grader but Thursday afternoon, in a pressure-packed game, it was hard to tell as Spencer threw it past a varsity starting line-up to help his team advance in the state playoffs.
In front of a thoroughly approving home audience, Spencer threw a complete game one hitter in the Generals’ 6-1 victory over Lamar Academy. The victory gave the Generals a 2-game-to-0 sweep in the first round of the AAAA, Division II Mississippi Association of Independent Schools State Playoffs. Washington will meet 25-3 Simpson Academy next week in the state semifinals. The Generals first game against Simpson is scheduled at Washington Tuesday at 5: 30 p.m.
“I felt great out there,’ Spencer said. “The best thing is that I could help my team win and advance in the state playoffs.”
Despite the enormity of the game, Spencer said he was prepared to start because his coach said he could be needed at any time.
Washington Coach Hunter Palasini said he had no issues putting in the eighth grader.
“I always tell them that I am going to put in the player who gives us the best chance to win,” Palasini said. “And Spencer gave us the best chance.
“Spencer was calm out there and gave us a solid performance. He actually did not have his best stuff, but that just shows how good he is. He got behind a lot of batters but was still able to get the out.”
After scoring two runs in the first inning and a run in the second inning, a bunt by Washington’s B.J. Wasson drove home a run in the fifth. Wasson’s bunt was followed by a two-run single by Harper Ross to put Washington up 6-0. Ross finished the game three for three. Austin Kelly, Caleb Janous and John Franklin Ingram drove in a run each for the Generals. Tri Vaughan scored a run and got a base hit. Tanner Brantley hit a double, and scored a run. Peyton McPherson also scored a run.
