In his current role as manager of the Arlington Senior Babe Ruth 15-under all-star team, Josh Jones is picking up where he left off when he not long ago played for such summer baseball teams that enjoyed big success.
In recent days, Jones led the 15s to the two-team District 6 tournament championship with a 2-0 record. Arlington defeated Springfield, 13-0 and 8-1 in those games, getting contributions from all 13 players on the roster.
“Our goal for the tournament was to get everybody playing time,” Jones said. “It took a little time for this team to mesh well, but it did for the tournament.”
Jones describes the team as a unit with strong pitching and consistent defense with solid hitting. That was the case in the district tournament.
“We are very confident in our pitching,” he said.
In the 13-0 win, Cooper Lawson threw four innings of one-hit ball with Jonah Gonzalez working the final frame.
In the 8-1 win, Drew Welch was the starting and winning pitcher, taking a perfect game into the fourth inning, when he allowed a hit.
Among top hitters for Arlington in the victories were Alex Goodell, Chris Layman, Patrick Mellett, Jonathan Fahey and Jack Ingram.
Other contributors were Cameron Hershey, Griggs Rupert, Joseph Black, Kyle Matsko and Trip Williams.
Prior to the district tournament, the Arlington all-stars played a number of games to prepare for the competition.
By winning the district, Arlington advanced to the 15-under state competition in Williamsburg.
Jones was a key player on an Arlington Senior Babe Ruth 15-under all-star district and state-tournament championship within the last 10 years. He also played on many other Babe Ruth teams during his playing days.
