Blue Devils earn playoff spot
Published 7:00 am Thursday, April 10, 2014
CARRIERE — Pearl River Central secured a spot in the state playoffs Monday night.
The Blue Devils swept a Region 6-5A doubleheader from visiting Jackson Wingfield, moving to 14-2 overall and a perfect 6-0 in league play. The pair of wins, 15-0 and 12-0, sealed at least second place in the region race, and three teams qualify for the Class 5A South State playoffs from the ach district.
“Our schedule, due to the change in districts this year along with the weather has been a challenge for us because it has resulted in a lot of down time,” PRC head coach Neil Walther said. “Practice and inter-squad games just aren’t the same as game competition. But I think our kids have handled it pretty well.”
Blake Caruso started and got the win in game one, which ended in three innings, pitching two innings and striking out four to move to 2-0 and Cody Miller struck out the side in a scoreless inning of relief to complete the shutout.
Wes Mitchell got the start in game two and struck out 8 in his three innings to move to 2-0 on the year. Cordel Eastland pitched the final inning in game two. The game ended after four frames.
Offensively PRC was led by Wesley Mitchell who had three hits on the day and drove in three runs, while Jake Scheuerman, Caleb Morales, and Mason Songy each had a pair of hits. Christian Smith and Dylan Spiers each drove in two runs in game one, while Smith, Christian Travis and Jake Schuerman each recorded a double.
In game two, Mitchell and Anthony Hickman drove in a pair of runs apiece, while Songy collected two doubles.
The same two teams will face off again Friday in league action at Leavellwoods Park in Jackson. Then, on Saturday, the Blue Devils are slated to face Pass Christian in a non-district doubleheader.
The league champion should be determined next week, when PRC faces second place Brookhaven in a home and home series Tuesday and Friday. The Blue Devils handed the Panthers their only region loss to date, taking an 8-6 decision on the road Friday.