Patriots set the stage for rematch with Jets in Final Four

MADISON – It took three games to decide who was moving on, but when the dust had settled between Thompson and Bob Jones, it was the Patriots who had advanced to the Final Four of the 7A Baseball playoffs.

No. 1 Bob Jones (40-7) won the first game 5-3 against the Warriors last Thursday, while Thompson took the second installment 7-6 to force a Game 3 a day later.

The third and final game was far less dramatic as the Patriots steamrolled to the 7-1 victory that was never in doubt.

This series win creates a rivalry rematch in the semifinals between No. 10 James Clemens (31-11) and Bob Jones with a double-header Wednesday at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Bob Jones.

If a third game is needed, it will be slated for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. also at Bob Jones High School.

Thursday Game 1: Bob Jones 5, Thompson 3

It was the Braden Booth show in the Game 1 with his six innings pitched with seven strikeouts while the senior standout cracked a key home run over the fence in center in the fifth to help handle the Warriors.

Thursday Game 2: Thompson 7, Bob Jones 6

Thompson’s five runs scored in the bottom of the fourth inning doomed the Patriots whose 3-run rally in the top of the seventh fell one run short.

Friday Game 3: Bob Jones 7, Thompson 1

With the season on the line, Bob Jones stepped up to eliminate the Warriors with a massive 6-run bottom of the second inning that punched the Patriots’ ticket to third round of the playoffs.