Mustangs Pick Up Home Opener Win Behind Trautner’s Masterpiece
Last night the (1-2) Land O’Lakes Gators traveled to Trinity, FL to take on the (3-1) JW Mitchell Mustangs. The Gators were looking to avenge their blowout loss a few nights back, but it was going to be tough with the Mustangs hosting their first home game of the season and looking to put on a show for the home crowd.
The Mustang bats started off on a high note with the first two men reaching base. 2022 C Hayden Cockman got things going with a great two-strike swing that drove in the first run of the game. Cockman is off to a strong start this season. He is hitting .375 with 7 RBIs (team-lead). The College of Central Florida commit does a great job of using the middle of the field and firing his hands at the ball. To round out the first frame, two-more runs were scored via a Gators error. From there on out, both sides were able to keep the bats quiet as there wasn’t a single run plated the rest of the way which would ultimately result in a 3-0 victory for the home team.
While the pitching and defense were the stories on both sides, 2022 P/1B Jace Trautner put forth a masterpiece. His final line was 5 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, and 9 K’s. For Trautner, while it would have been something else to see him go the distance with his no-hit-bid, you have to admire the performance here in this one. From the getgo, Trautner looked in control and was toying with a Gators lineup that had been struggling coming into this game. He was commanding the zone at every level and showed a great deal of confidence from start to finish. Trautner looked sharp once again. His line on the seasons is 8.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 14 K’s. The Indian River State College commit is someone to keep an eye on as the season progresses as he is already doing damage in multiple facets of his game.
For the Gators, they fought until the very end but didn’t produce much traffic on the base paths. They didn’t get a base hit until the 6th inning and had 2 total on the game. However, there needs to be credit given to their pitching staff as the Mustangs weren’t able to do any damage after the 1st inning. 2023 P Carson Jackson was great in relief as he allowed 1 H and 0 ER in 2.1 IP. The uncommitted pitcher seemed comfortable on the bump and didn’t shy away from attacking the Mustang lineup. His line on the season is 5.2 IPs, 4 H, 0 ER, and 4 K’s.
Next up for the Mustangs are a home date with the 3-0 Sunlake Seahawks. For the Gators, they will head back home to take on the 5-1 Wiregrass Ranch Bulls.
Below are the players of the game with a report on their impact during the matchup. Please give us a follow on our social media platforms listed below as we post content with highlights, clips, and announcements on past and upcoming events.
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Players of the Game
2022 P/1B Jace Trautner (JW Mitchell High School)
Enough cannot be said about the performance Trautner delivered in the Mustangs’ first win at home. The Indian River State College commit exhibits a long, but athletic frame. He has a great feel for all of his pitches, especially his knee-bucking curveball which keeps the opposing hitters on their toes. On top of that, Trautner is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. He is strong in all parts of his game and is a must-watch the rest of the season.
2023 IF Aidan Miller (JW Mitchell High School)
If you haven’t heard the name already, you are going to be hearing it more very soon. Miller, an Arkansas commit is ascending up many 2023 MLB draft boards as he continues to take his game to the next level. As it currently stands, Miller is scorching hot to begin play in 2022. He is batting an eye-popping .615 with 4 RBIs. Miller makes it look very easy at the plate and his natural power proves that. His physical presence and overall game contribute to his full complement of tools within his arsenal. Miller is must-see every time he takes the field and it will be no different as he continues to prepare to play at the next level and beyond.
2022 C Hayden Cockman (JW Mitchell High School)
Rounding out the middle-of-the-order mashers is 2022 C Hayden Cockman. Cockman, a College of Central Florida commit has a very strong lower half that comes in handy both behind and at the plate. His quick hands and great approach contribute to his successes as a hitter. Cockman has a knack for running up a pitch count due to his great eye and discipline. Cockman is very important to this Mustang team and his high level of play will look to be sustained as the season rolls on.
