Originally published May 26, 2012 at 10:33 PM | Page modified May 26, 2012 at 10:57 PM
PASCO ? When Taylor Jones fired the final two-seam fastball of his high-school career, it went right where the Kentwood pitcher wanted, skirting across the outside corner of the plate.
When he saw the ball snap into catcher Reese McGuire's glove, Jones pumped his right fist. He spiked his glove. Then he launched his 6-foot-7 frame into his catcher's arms before being covered in Conquerors celebrating a 4-1 victory over No. 3 Puyallup in the Class 4A state title game Saturday night at Gesa Stadium.
"You can't dream of a better ending, going seven innings, striking out eight in the game," said Jones, who helped Kentwood claim its second title in three years. "It was amazing."
With his team's title hopes in his hands, Jones delivered. He allowed one run on four hits despite dealing with a groin injury that forced him to leave his last start ? against Redmond in the quarterfinals ? early.
"Taylor just pitched the game of his life," Kentwood coach Mark Zender said. "It was one of the best high-school performances I've seen in any sport."
Zender made up three different lineup cards before the game, because he didn't know if Jones would be able to pitch. After going through physical therapy all week, Jones decided to test his groin about 15 minutes before the game.
He was supposed to go three or four innings. The second-ranked Conquerors (25-2) had help ready in the bullpen, but Jones went all seven, shutting down the Vikings (22-6).
"I was just feeling it," he said. "I couldn't stop."
Jones also delivered on offense with run-scoring singles in the first and third innings, helping Kentwood take an early lead.
In the final frame, Zender asked Jones how he was feeling. The coach said he was thinking about bringing in senior Lucas Gately.
"Let's close it with Lucas," Zender said.
"No," Jones said. "I'm in."
He finished what he started. And, when it was over, he shared with his teammates, the guys who did the little things to help secure a championship.
"We're a fundamental team," Zender said. "We kind of play the old-fashioned way and they've bought into that. It's just been wonderful. They're a wonderful group of kids. They've done everything that we've asked them to do."
Third-place game
Richland 10, Beamer 7
Richland sent 11 batters to the plate in the second inning and scored six runs to take a commanding lead, but the fourth-ranked Bombers had to withstand a late Beamer rally to claim the Class 4A third-place trophy.
Trailing by eight heading into the seventh, the No. 10 Titans (18-8) rallied for five runs, including Daniel Lee's two-run single that cut the deficit to three with one out in the final frame.
With two on and the potential game-tying run at the plate, Richland junior Nate Ruane struck out both batters he faced to seal the win for Richland (22-6).
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