Sapulpa junior pitcher Braxton Jones expects to be back in the mix come playoff time for the Chieftains, who are 24-8 overall under head coach Steve Irvine after defeating Bishop Kelley, 4-2, in their last outing on April 24.
Jones, a right-hander who has a fastball clocked in the mid-80s, suffered a forearm strain early in the season. He was expected to be Sapulpa’s top arm going into the season.
In a season-opening 5-0 shutout win over Victory Christian, he tossed four-plus scoreless innings in a starting role. He recorded nine strikeouts while allowing four hits and issuing one walk, and notched the win.
The Chieftains, who share an identical 12-2 mark with Bishop Kelley atop the District 5A-3 standings, have won five of their last seven games.
VYPE: How long have you played baseball?
Braxton: I have played baseball since I was in tee ball.
VYPE: How do you balance your time between sports and academics?
Braxton: I just try to stay ahead and try not get behind in anything.
VYPE: What professional athlete (college or pro) do you model your game after and why?
Braxton: As a cardinals fan, I like to watch Adam Wainwright pitch and the stuff he does.
VYPE: What have you improved on the most over the course of your high school career?
Braxton: I’ve improved on how to hold runners and pitch to batters with people on base.
VYPE: What’s your most memorable baseball moment during your high school career?
Braxton: My most memorable moment in my high school career was when my team won the first round of state playoffs.
VYPE: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Braxton: What I like to do in my free time is I like to play baseball and go to the lake with my buddies.
VYPE: What qualities do you think make someone a good teammate or leader?
Braxton: A good teammate or leader always has a good attitude and is always picking you up, doesn’t matter the situation.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?Braxton: My plans after high school are to go on and play baseball at a higher level, or get into the oil industry.
