After a breakout summer with the Winchester (Va.) Royals in the Valley Baseball League, UT Martin junior Stu Jones was named the ninth best prospect in the summer organization, according to a Perfect Game USA list releasing the top 30 prospects.
Jones helped the Royals advance to the league championship series after posting a 36-16 overall record this summer under head coach Steve Sabins. The 6-5, 202-pound right-handed pitcher posted a 2-1 record with a 2.55 ERA in 18 appearances, which included a pair of starts.
In 35.1 innings, Jones conceded 26 hits with just six of those going for extra-bases. He recorded 46 strikeouts against only 19 walks while limiting the opposition to a .206 batting average. In 12 of his appearances he fanned two or more batters, while he also posted 12 shutout appearances.
Jones’ best game came on July 17 at Haymarket, when he tossed five scoreless innings. He allowed only two hits and struck out eight batters in the Royals’ victory.
Jones has appeared in 28 games over his first two seasons in a Skyhawk uniform. UT Martin head baseball coach Bubba Cates expects Jones to fill a big role on the Skyhawk pitching staff in 2013, mentioning the Lexington, Tenn. native as a potential closer.
“We know Stu has the physical qualities and talent to be a closer, he just lacked the experience in that role,” Cates said. “He found some consistency this summer throwing strikes with his fastball and locating his slider as well. His coaches out told me he was great for them all season and he was getting better every day.” Published in The WCP 9.6.12