Tigers Comes Alive Late to Knock Off the Mustangs

On Tuesday, February 28th, 2023, the 2-1 JW Mitchell Mustangs traveled to take on the 3-0 Jesuit Tigers in the heart of Tampa, FL. For Jesuit, this was their first game in Florida after taking a short and successful trip to Georgia. For JW Mitchell, they were coming off of a big win against Boca Ciega in tournament play. This matchup was highly anticipated as both rosters are filled with guys poised to play at the next level and beyond. 

The bats were kept quiet early as both starting pitchers kept the opposition off balance and out of the box score. For Jesuit, 2024 RHP Aden Knowles (NC State Commit) got into a groove early as he struck out two in a first inning where he only needed eight pitches. JW Mitchell’s starting pitcher, 2023 RHP Trevor Harrison (FSU Commit) followed suit by striking out three of the four batters he faced in the inning. After four innings a piece, both starters had only given up one run with very few balls barreled up.

However, things started to change as we reached the bottom of the fifth inning. The Jesuit lineup made Harrison work all night as they consistently worked the count. The game reached a boiling point as Harrison gave up a walk which sealed his fate for the game. From that point on, the Jesuit lineup came alive. 2024 IF Noah Sheffield (FSU Commit) led the charge as he drove in two runs to break the tie (one of three hits on the day). Three more runs would come around to score after hits from 2024 OF Zane Pestalozzi (Campbell Commit), 2024 IF Jacob Lozano, and 2024 OF DJ Pirela. 

In the following inning, 2023 OF Jake Kulikowski (Miami Commit) and 2023 P/OF Wes Mendes (Ole Miss Commit) joined in on the offensive explosion with two hard-hit balls of their own extending their lead to seven. 

After Jesuit SP Aden Knowles departed after five innings, the Jesuit bullpen backed him up in the final two innings with one hit allowed between 2024 LHP McCall Biemiller (East Carolina Commit) and 2026 RHP Wilson Andersen to give Jesuit the 8-1 victory. 

Next up for the Mustangs is a non-district home game against Clearwater Central Catholic while Jesuit stays at home for a non-district clash against Venice. 

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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2023 RHP Trevor Harrison (JW Mitchell): 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Harrison (FSU Commit) has a commanding presence and he backs that up with his stuff. Early on, he was leaning on an offspeed pitch that has a ton of deception that stays between 76-78 mph. On top of that, he has added a little extra on his fastball as it now sits between 93-94 mph with added movement. There may even be more in the tank. High-upside arm who has the potential to get selected in this year’s draft. 

2024 RHP Aden Knowles (Jesuit): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER (1 R), 2 BB, 7 K

Knowles (NC State Commit) was on the other side of the pitching duel in this one. He was efficient all night as he consistently attacked the strike zone. He displayed solid command as he nibbled around the strike zone. We got to see him use three of his pitches: a fastball that sits between 86-88 mph, a curveball that sits between 75-77 mph, and a changeup that sits between 81-82 mph. 

2024 INF Noah Sheffield (Jesuit): 3-4, 3 RBI, 1 SB

When there was little offense to speak of early on in the game, Sheffield (FSU Commit) was doing everything in his power to make Trevor Harrison work. Displayed strong bat control and excellent plate discipline. He also came in clutch by giving his team the lead with a double down the third base line in the fifth. At the five spot in the batting order, he did exactly what he was entrusted to do. Drive runners in. Showed off his speed as well. 

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2026 RHP Wilson Andersen (Jesuit): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

In his first outing as a high schooler, Wilson Andersen showed that he may be well on his way to being an integral part of this Jesuit pitching staff going forward. In a lanky 6’2”, 170 lbs frame, Andersen has plenty of time to come into his own. He is already at a great starting point as he is topping out at 90 mph on a fastball that is thrown with ease. With time, he will most likely be given more opportunities to take part in more high-leverage situations.