The Jena Giants found out where they would be in the playoffs this past week as on Tuesday, April 16, the baseball brackets were revealed and the Giants earned the #10 seed. The Giants would draw the #23 seed Port Allen Pelicans in the first round of the playoffs. In the Division III Non-Select playoffs, teams have to win a three-game series in the first, second and quarterfinal round of the playoffs. So, the Giants would have to defeat Port Allen twice to move on to the second round.
On Thursday, April 18, the teams would play game one of the series. In the bottom of the first, Zoyle Gemar and Jacob Pentecost would both pick up hits as the Giants would score five runs in the inning. From there it would be all Jena as the Giants would score three runs in the second and two in the third and fourth to take a 12-2 lead.
The Giants would get a double from Jacob Belcher in the third inning. The Giants would go on to win 12-2 in five innings.
Calex Campbell would get the complete game victory as he gave up two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts. Jacob Belcher and Zoyle Gemar would both have two hits and two RBIs in the game.
On Friday, April 19, the two teams would play game two of the series. The Giants would be the visiting team and would bat first. Jena would score three runs in the top of the first inning. Port Allen would answer though with three runs in the bottom of the first to tie it at three. Freshman Collin Jensen would come in to pitch and would shut down the Port Allen bats as he pitched 4.2 scoreless innings giving up only one hit with six strikeouts.
The Giants would get solo homerun to left field from Jacob Belcher in the top of the third inning. Cayden Mursch would go four for four with a double, a triple and three RBIs and the Giants would go on to win 16-5 in six innings.
With the win the Giants advance to the second round of the playoffs where they will have to travel to #7 Westlake. Westlake received a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
It will be another three-game series as the two teams will play Game One on Friday at 6:00. Game Two will be at noon on Saturday and Game Three would be immediately after if necessary. Everyone is encouraged to make the trip down to Westlake to cheer on the Giants.
Many of Jena fans will already be in the Lake Charles area as the Lady Giants play their semifinal game in Sulphur at 2:30 p.m. It’s just a short drive up to Westlake to catch the Giants’ game.
If you can’t make it to the game then tune in on 102.7 KJNA to hear all the live action. If you are not in the listening area then you can download the MIXLR app and search for KJNAFM or go online at www.kjnafmjena. mixlr.com.
Photos from the game against Port Allen:
