Jimmy's gem

South Caldwell's Messer tosses first career no-hitter, second by a Spartan this year

By David Parsons, Correspondent

In his previous 29 victories in high school Jimmy Messer - as dominant as he was - had never thrown a no-hitter. On his 30th victory as a Spartan, however, that feat was marked off the list.

South Caldwell defeated the Freedom Patriots 13-0 in five innings in Sawmills Friday.

Messer did not allow a hit or walk over his five innings pitched as he faced one above the minimum. He struck out seven over his 53 pitches thrown and 36 of those were strikes.

“When Jimmy hits the mound, it's a good relaxing feeling for the Spartans,” said South Caldwell coach Jeff Parham. “I wish people knew the time he puts into every one of his starts, and when good things happen for good people that work hard, it shows what baseball is all about.”

Messer was so focused on the task at hand, he was unaware of his feat until afterward.

“I feel so relaxed on the mound right now knowing I have great defense behind me,” Messer said. “I feel like I have an opportunity to learn something every time I pitch and feel like I can correct mistakes while on the mound.”

Also, for the second game in a row, Brad Chavis ended the game in grand fashion with a walk-off grand slam to deep centerfield. The home run is Chavis' seventh on the season and fifth in three games. After Chavis was intentionally walked in his first two at-bats, he went 2-for-2 with 5 RBIs.

“After they walked me the first two at-bats, I felt like I had something to prove,” Chavis said.

After being held hitless over the first two innings, South Caldwell got to Freedom starter Daniel Villanueva in the third. With one away, Dominic DiBernardi drew a walk and promptly stole second and third on consecutive pitches before Lucas Jackson doubled to left field to score DiBernardi. After Chavis drew an intentional walk and a flyout, Cody Penny singled to left to score Jackson and courtesy runner Zac Greer to put the Spartans ahead 3-0.

“I feel like we were flat in the beginning,” Parham said. “I challenged them and I feel like they responded well.”

The Spartans got three more runs in the fourth as DiBernardi drew a walk before Jackson doubled to put runners on second and third. Chavis singled in DiBernardi and Cody Prestwood doubled to left-center to score Jackson and Greer and increase the Spartan lead to 6-0.

In the fifth, the Spartans sent seven to the plate and all seven scored starting with Tyler Dillard and Dalton Hall who drew consecutive walks before Messer drilled a triple to center to score both men. Spencer Smith, DiBernardi, and Jackson all received walks prior to the walk-off grand slam by Chavis to make the final margin of 13-0.

The Spartans return to the field Tuesday as they face the McDowell Titans for senior night in Sawmills. Game time is 7 p.m.

Spartan JVs win

The South Caldwell junior varsity team defeated Freedom 11-0 in five innings Friday.

Tyler Bumgarner was the winning pitcher, striking out 10 batters.

Jacob Hatton had two hits for the Spartans, who are now 9-4.