West Orange alum Ethan Jones excelled in closer role for Squeeze -- Observer Preps

If the Winter Garden Squeeze were winning a game this summer, there was a good chance West Orange High alum Ethan Jones was the one who was shutting the door on the opposing team as the Squeeze’s go-to closer.

Jones, who will be a sophomore at Flagler College this fall, finished with eight saves this summer — tied for the lead in the Florida Collegiate Summer League with Sanford’s C.J. Carter.

“(Jones) seems to thrive in the closer role,” manager Jay Welsh said. “We kind of set up where we like to go to Lance (Johnson) for the setup and then bring Jones in.”

“When he throws that breaking pitch, it’s a real frisbee — it really has some good movement."

— Jay Welsh, Winter Garden Squeeze Manager

In total this summer, Jones tossed 19 1/3 innings while allowing just three total runs and compiling an ERA of 1.40. He had 23 strikeouts and allowed just 11 hits.

For the Flagler College Saints in the spring, Jones tossed 30 1/3 innings in 22 appearances as a reliever. As a freshman, the former Warrior had four wins, a 2.37 ERA and a save.

As his manager for the summer put it after Jones closed out the Squeeze’s Playoff Play-In win Aug. 1 at Leesburg, the rising collegiate sophomore just had good stuff this season.

“When he throws that breaking pitch, it’s a real frisbee — it really has some good movement,” Welsh said. “He’s done a terrific job all year.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].