Columbus East High School

HAUSER HS - Freshman Parker Jones delivered a performance well beyond his years Tuesday evening, leading the Columbus East Olympians to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over county rival Hauser in a classic pitcher’s duel. Jones was dominant from the opening inning to the final out, tossing a complete-game two-hit shutout while striking out six and walking just two batters. The freshman needed only 83 pitches to secure the win and repeatedly came through in key moments to keep the Jets off the scoreboard. Jones started at bats with a strike to 17 of 25 hitters. Zero Hauser Varsity Jets hitters reached base after seeing a first-pitch strike. After Hauser put a runner in scoring position in the opening inning, Jones settled in quickly. He struck out two batters in the fourth inning and worked around the Jets’ only extra-base hit — a third inning double — to keep the game scoreless. The Olympians finally broke through in the top of the fifth inning. Bige Asher worked a leadoff walk and aggressively moved around the bases, advancing on a wild pitch and passed ball to reach third. After Aiden Bumbalough drew a walk, Landyn Jewell delivered the game’s biggest hit, ripping a hard ground ball single that plated Asher for the game’s only run. Jewell accounted for Columbus East’s lone hit and lone RBI of the night, while Asher scored the deciding run. The Olympians showed patience throughout the contest, drawing five walks against Hauser pitching. Bumbalough reached base three times after being hit by two pitches and drawing a walk, while Ryker Stott, Kaden Arnholt, Asher, and Reid Koester also contributed free passes. The Olympians did strand 6 runners on the evening. Defensively, the Olympians backed Jones throughout the night. Jewell handled several key plays at shortstop, while centerfielder JD Rotert tracked down multiple fly balls to help preserve the shutout. The tension continued into the seventh inning as Hauser attempted one final rally after reaching base on an error. Jones responded like a veteran, forcing a fielder’s choice before retiring the final two batters, including a game-ending strikeout looking that sent the Olympians pouring out of the dugout. The Olympians will now set their sights on the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament. They host Round Two of the HHC tournament at Olympian Field on Wednesday, May 13th. First pitch: 6 p.m.