J.W. Bayless Named Athlete of the Week After Dominant Performance Against Rio Rancho
The Graphic Designer Athlete of Week J.W. Bayless
By Wally D
Photos By Chuck Cook 505dustdevil Photography
When the moment called for a big-time performance against one of New Mexico’s top baseball teams, J.W. Bayless delivered exactly that for Piedra Vista Panthers.
The Piedra Vista left-hander turned in one of his strongest outings of the season in a key district showdown, leading the second-ranked Panthers to a 4-0 victory over fourth-ranked Rio Rancho Rams, a matchup featuring two of the top teams in Class 5A according to both the coaches poll and MaxPreps.
Bayless worked six shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out three and issuing no walks. His command was sharp from the first pitch, consistently working ahead in the count and never allowing Rio Rancho’s dangerous lineup to settle in.
He also contributed offensively, finishing 2-for-3 at the plate, scoring a run, and adding a stolen base, helping Piedra Vista complete one of its biggest wins of the district season.
Piedra Vista Head Coach Jeff Kiraly said Bayless continues to prove why he has been the Panthers’ top arm for multiple seasons.
“He’s been incredible for us for years,” Kiraly said. “He’s been our number one starter for the last two or three years, and he just continues to do what he does. He shut down a really potent offense in Rio Rancho. I think he only gave up three hits and obviously shut them out.”
Corelli said what separates Bayless is his maturity and ability to attack hitters with confidence.
“He throws three pitches for strikes at a nice velocity for a left-handed pitcher,” Kiraly said. “As long as he continues to get bigger, stronger, and faster, he’s going to be able to play this game for a while after high school.”
That confidence has translated all season long.
Bayless is now 7-0 on the year, having thrown 35 innings with an ERA of just 0.20, while consistently working in the 85 mph-plus range from the mound.
The outing also carried extra meaning after Rio Rancho had success against him a year ago.
“He’s always had confidence,” Kiraly said. “But this year he’s so smart on the mound. He knows how to control his pitches, and he knows where to throw them. Guys that can do that can play for a long time.”
One area that especially impressed the coaching staff was Bayless’ ability to stay ahead of hitters.
“It’s huge to be up in the count,” Kiraly said. “You want to be 0-1 instead of 1-0. If he continues not to create his own traffic, he’s really tough to beat because he’s that good.”
With district play intensifying and postseason baseball approaching, Bayless continues to be a major reason Piedra Vista remains one of the strongest championship contenders in Class 5A.
For now, his dominant outing against Rio Rancho earns him this week’s Athlete of the Week honors.
Congratulations to our The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week, J.W. Bayless Panther Baseball
The Graphic Designer Athlete of the Week is proudly sponsored by The Graphic Designer — your local source for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, business branding, signs, banners, and creative design services. Conveniently located in Farmington, The Graphic Designer helps businesses, schools, teams, and organizations stand out with professional quality and personalized service.
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