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Kettle Run's Bowman mows down Central in district quarters, 6-1
Jimmy Bowman wasn’t trying to throw high fastballs.
The ball kept rising against his will, as though being gently pulled on a string from the heavens. Perhaps it’s only coincidence that Bowman prays before each inning; perhaps not. Either way, the unintended location of his fastballs proved pivotal Friday.
In a complete-game effort, the Kettle Run junior struck out eight hitters, often with a high fastball as the third strike, and led his Cougars to a 6-1 victory over the Central Falcons in the Northwestern District tournament quarterfinals. The fourth-seeded Cougars advanced to Tuesday’s semifinals at No. 1 Brentsville.
Since seventh grade, Bowman has pitched a prayer to God before stepping onto the rubber each inning. It's nothing high and hard; it's as simple as a batting practice fastball.
He walks up the back of the mound and pauses behind the rubber. He presses his glove against his chest, removes his hat and holds it behind his back. Then he bows his head.
“I’m just asking God, ‘Let me do my best.’ The same little prayer every time,” Bowman said. “It’s been working so far.”
That prayer has coincided with success for Bowman, if only for routine’s sake. He has a 6-3 record this season as Kettle Run’s ace and led the first-year program to a 10-9 record overall.
Bowman gave up one unearned run against Central (11-9), pitching a no-hitter through five innings before finishing with two hits and two walks allowed over seven innings. He fell behind against just 10 batters, often throwing curveballs for early strikes before finishing the Falcons off with high fastballs.
“That’s the Jimmy we’ve come to expect,” Kettle Run coach Ty Thorpe said. “Just pound the strike zone, get ahead in the count and make them chase...”See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.
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