HOLLY SPRINGS — The Centreville Academy Tigers claimed their second straight Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA State baseball championship on Friday, shutting out Marshall Academy 4-0.
The victory in the second game of the series allowed the Tigers a sweep of the best-of-thee series. Centreville won the series opener Tuesday at home 5-4 in extra innings.
Centreville coach Jason Horne was simply ecstatic over the repeat.
“Us winning back-to-back state titles just shows you what great players we have,” said Horne. “The kids did all the work. No matter what situation, they always found a way to get the job done.”
The Tigers scored one run in the first inning of Friday's second game and never looked back.
Tiger senior right-hander Cliff Hurst went the distance in the game. He allowed two hits, fanned four Patriot hitters and gave up only one walk.
“Cliff had another good pitching night,” Horne said. “He only allowed two hits all night. He has been doing it all year and he came through again for us last night.”
Marshall pitcher Evan Hickman took the loss. He gave up all four runs on eight hits. He walked six Centreville batters and struck out four.
The Tigers scored first in the top of the first inning on a fielder’s choice.
Centreville extended its lead in the third inning when Hurst belted a solo home run to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
The Tigers’ final blow came in the top of the fifth, when they tacked on the final two runs for the 4-0 victory.
Offensively, Hurst went 2-for-2 at the plate. Randy Bell was 2-for-4 and Hunter Devall added a double.
The Tigers lose a slew of seniors off this year’s squad including Hurst, Devall, Hunter Travis, Ethan Nolan, Chance Humphreys and Tyler Towles.
“These guys have been the leaders of the team this season. They kept everything together,” Horne said. “They have been with me and playing together since the eighth grade and been doing a great job every year.”
Centreville finished the season at 27-5 overall.
“Not many teams can say that they won their last game of the season, and it would give them two state championships,” Horne said.
Horne said the immediate future looks bright for the Tigers. He didn’t say if the Tigers had a better than average chance to three-peat, however.
“We have several juniors and sophomores that we will be counting on next year,” Horne said. “They have so much potential. We are just ready to get back to work and get ready for next season.”
