In a remarkable turn of events, Cale Jones went from the Tri-City ValleyCats’ third catcher to their sole healthy catcher within just 36 hours. When Jakob Goldfarb had to exit the game in the first inning, Jones was called upon and delivered a crucial two-run single that contributed to the ValleyCats’ 8-3 victory over the Joliet Slammers. This win completed a three-game sweep before a crowd of 3,187 at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
Jones expressed that while the situation was unexpected, he always tries to stay prepared in case of such circumstances. The ValleyCats, who have won eight of their last ten games, currently hold second place in the Frontier League’s East Division. They now embark on a 500-mile journey to face the Lake Erie Crushers starting Friday.
Pavin Parks, the team’s shortstop, acknowledged the contributions of various players throughout the season, including Jones, who stepped up in a critical moment when his team needed it the most. Parks emphasized the confidence the team has in every player who has had to step up during these challenging times.
The ValleyCats were already dealing with the absence of catcher Oscar Campos, who suffered a mild hamstring strain in the previous game against Joliet. Additionally, Goldfarb sustained a rib injury during the same game. Goldfarb managed to catch the first inning on Thursday, but while warming up in the on-deck circle, he experienced a cramp in his rib cage. As a precaution, Goldfarb was taken to the hospital for further examination.
ValleyCats’ general manager, Matt Callahan, confirmed that Goldfarb traveled with the team to Lake Erie and is considered day-to-day. His condition will be reassessed upon arrival at the Crushers’ ballpark.
Jones, who previously played college baseball at Webber International, was discovered by the ValleyCats at a 10-day camp in Florida where Tri-City pitching coach Brooks Carey was in attendance.
Before Thursday’s game, Jones had only been given one at-bat since July 4th. Despite this, he remains committed to staying prepared and ensuring his body is in optimal condition for each game. Jones has been playing the catcher position since he was five years old.
In the fourth inning of the game, Parks broke a tied score of 3-3 with a remarkable double into the left field corner, scoring Jaxon Hallmark and Lance Briggs. Shortly after, Jones singled to center, driving home Parks and Connor Bagnieski, extending the ValleyCats’ lead to 7-3.
The ValleyCats’ starting pitcher, Jhon Vargas, pitched for five innings, and the relief pitchers Greg Veliz and Elliot Carney successfully maintained the team’s lead.
ValleyCats’ manager Pete Incaviglia praised Jones for his exceptional performance, emphasizing his role as the next man up. Incaviglia acknowledged Jones’ crucial hit, his ability to drive in runs, and his excellent performance behind the plate as a catcher. He emphasized the importance of moving forward and embracing the next challenge in this game.
Overall, the ValleyCats’ victory showcased the team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected circumstances.
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