By Staff
From Staff
Press Reports
Escambia County High School's varsity baseball team used a strong pitching performance and good defense to take a hard-fought 1-0 win over Monroe County at home Tuesday night.
Chase McGhee and Anthony Patrick combined on a one-hitter, allowing only one walk and striking out six, while the defense didn't give up an error all night en route to the victory.
"Tonight was an old-fashioned pitcher duel," said ECHS head coach Keith Nall. "Our pitchers and their pitcher all threw outstanding games. We threw a one-hitter and their pitcher threw a two-hitter.
"Anthony Patrick and Chase McGhee both threw the ball well for us. Anthony threw five strong innings and Chase finished the last two and threw well also. The only reason I pulled Anthony was because he had not thrown in a while because of Spring Break. Also, he will throw against Charles Henderson Friday in a very important area game. I wanted him fresh for that game."
In the sixth inning, Dereke Martin reached on a fielder's choice with two outs, then stole second. He stole third when a called ball four to Craig Montel was not handled by the catcher. He later scored on a wild pitch, giving the Blue Devils all the runs they would need.
Martin and Chris Graham collected the only two hits on the night for the Blue Devils, with both of those being singles. Montel and Franklin Boykin also drew walks during the contest.
"We did not hit the ball very well," Nall said. "But you have to give their pitcher credit. He kept our hitters off balance all night. Also, I think the layoff during Spring Break could have affected us a little. We played a great defensive game, which we needed since we did not have a good offensive game.
"This was a good win for us. Any time you can win a close game at the end as we did, it will only help build your confidence. This was a big win that, hopefully, will help us down the road, preferably this Friday."
Friday's game was postponed due to the rain.