By Dale Liesch

The Tidewater News

ISLE OF WIGHT—Since 2010, Isle of Wight Academy senior pitcher Josh Thomas is undefeated as a starter.

The southpaw from Windsor is 8-0 when starting for the Chargers, but he’s quick to credit the good defense behind him for the success.

“I don’t strike a lot of people out,” Thomas said. “So I let them hit the ball, and my teammates will carry me on to victory.”

In two wins this season against Norfolk Academy and Norfolk Christian, Thomas has struck out 10 batters and recorded an earned-run average of 3.50.

Thomas also plays left field and first base and hits sixth in the lineup.

He contributes to the team both offensively and defensively, said Coach Ben Brown.

“He’s one of my better players,” Brown said. “I rely on him tremendously.”

Thomas is batting .478 with four RBIs and five runs scored this season.

The son of Bobby and Maria Thomas, he is one of a solid group of lefty pitchers on a talent-rich team, Brown said.

“This is the deepest talent pool I’ve ever had as coach,” said the eighth-year varsity coach. “We have some nice seniors on this team.”

Thomas plans to attend Christopher Newport University next year and study pre-dentistry. He wants to become an orthodontist.