Athletes Beyond Bartow: MiLB locals, NFL locals make marks

Charles Wilson / Bartow Sports Zone August 14, 2023

With just five weeks remaining in the 2023 MiLB regular season schedule, the two local prospects at the Double-A level look to finish the season strong. Anthony Seigler and the Somerset Patriots have already secured a playoff spot in the Eastern League while Mason Barnett and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are in a battle with Springfield (Missouri) to win a spot in the Texas League post-season.

The NFL preseason is now in full stride and three local athletes all saw action this past weekend with their respective teams. Cleveland tight end Miller Forristall had four receptions in a home loss to the Washington Commanders. Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw a touchdown pass in the Jags win at the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh defensive end Manny Jones was in action in the Steelers win at Tampa Bay.

MiLB

MASON BARNETT — Northwest Arkansas Naturals (KC Royals Double-A affiliate; 2nd-yr. pro; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made his first start for his new team last Tuesday night facing 20 batters in a 5-2 home loss to the Wichita Wind Surge. Barnett allowed two earned runs on four hits and struck out seven in five innings of work. The loss dropped his season mark to 4-7 in 17 starts. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 3.21 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 87 innings. The Naturals went 2-4 at home this past week against Wichita and currently trail Springfield by one game in the Texas League North Division second-half standings. Northwest Arkansas is 19-19 in the current half and 48-59 for the year. They play six games this Tuesday through Sunday at the Corpus Christi Hooks.

ANTHONY SEIGLER — Somerset Patriots (NY Yankees Double-A affiliate; 6th-yr. pro; Cartersville HS) … saw action in three games this past week and was 3-for-10 at the plate with a solo home run and three RBIs. The home run was his second of the season. Seigler has a .172 batting average in 163 official at-bats this season with 21 RBIs. The Patriots, who won the first half race in the Eastern League’s Northeast Division, were 3-3 at home last week against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. They currently lead the second-half race by two games over the Ponies and are 63-43 overall. Somerset has seven games Tuesday through Sunday at the Reading Fightin Phils.

NFL

MILLER FORRISTALL — Cleveland Browns (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; TE; Alabama; Cartersville HS) … the Browns announced the reacquisition of Forristall on August 4 for their 90-man roster. Over the course of his career, he has spent time on the Tennessee Titans (2021) and Cleveland Browns' practice squad (2021-22). He appeared in six games during his stints with the Browns (two in 2021 and four in 2022), recording one special teams stop. The 6-4, 250-pound 25-year-old is wearing no. 86. In last Friday’s preseason home loss to the Washington Commanders, Forristall was targeted four times and had four catches for 66 yards. His longest reception was 27 yards. The Browns play another preseason game this Thursday night at Philadelphia.

MANNY JONES — Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL; 2nd-yr. pro; DE; Colorado State; Woodland HS) … saw action in the Steelers’ 27-17 win at Tampa Bay last Friday night but did not record a stat line. Pittsburgh hosts the Buffalo Bills Saturday night for their second preseason game.

TREVOR LAWRENCE — Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL; 3rd-yr. pro; QB; Clemson; Cartersville HS) … started and played two series Sunday as Jacksonville won at Dallas 28-23. In his second drive, Lawrence led a 4-minute, 40-second scoring drive that covered 42 yards in six plays and culminated with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Christian Kirk. He then connected with Zay Jones for a two-point conversion pass giving the Jaguars an 8-0 lead. In all, the 23-year-old signal caller was 5-for-6 for 36 yards. Jacksonville visits the Detroit Lions Saturday afternoon for their next preseason game.

PRO GOLF

JASON BOHN — PGA Tour Champions (Acworth resident; Cartersville Country Club member) … playing in his tenth event since turning 50 years old, the Pennsylvania native carded rounds of 73-70-72 (1-under-par) and tied for 41st place this past weekend at the Boeing Classic played at the par-72, 7,217-yard Club at Snoqualmie Ridge in Snoqualmie, Washington. The senior tour event was won by Stephen Ames with a 19-under-par total. Bohn is currently 77th in the season-long Schwab Cup ranking.