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Chiefs’ Portwood throws 2-hitter in baseball victory tonight

Northview’s Dane King and Jase Portwood helped lead the Chiefs to a 11-1 victory over Central, Fla. tonight in the semifinals of the FHSAA Class 1A, District 1 tournament in Bratt.

King went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs to lead the Chiefs behind the plate. Portwood added a 1-for-3 night with three RBIs.

On the mound, Portwood threw a two-hitter and struck out eight in a complete game to earn the win.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our guys,” NHS head baseball coach Jeremy Greenwell said. “They have battled adversity throughout the season. We knew coming into this year we would have some growing up to do to replace our three-time district champion senior class from a year ago.

“Jase did a awesome job,” he added. “He is a proven competitor and will be great for us for the next four years as he is only a freshman.”

Brady Smith and Jayden White had two hits each for the Chiefs.

Central’s Dylen Houk and Brayden Faust had one hit each.

With the victory, the Chiefs advance to the district championship game Thurs., May 2, against Jay. Jay beat Baker, Fla. 11-1 in the first semifinal matchup.

The Chiefs had a good start to the game, scoring two early runs in the top of the first inning. NHS was the visitor of the game.

Later in the game and with a 2-1 lead, King cranked a two-run double in the top of the fourth and a two-run single in the seventh to put things away.

Northview had 10 hits on the night.

Greenwell said the boys have seen faster pitching all season long, which has helped with hitting.

“When we faced the Tate Aggies we saw their number one and number two guy on the mound,” he said. “When we faced Baldwin County, we saw a guy that threw 85-86 (miles per hour) from the left side. We saw West Florida Tech’s and Escambia’s better guy on the mound. We saw Milton’s number one guy, and hit him all over the yard.

“This kind of pitching is what we have seen all year,” he said. “To me, their are two thoughts on scheduling; one is to pad your win record by playing a bunch of guys named Joe, and two is to schedule tough to get your team ready to make a run in the playoffs. We always pick the second option. I love these guys and love our community. Again, I’m so proud of these guys.”

In girls action, the Lady Chiefs defeated Paxton, Fla. 16-0 in the district semifinals. NHS advances to face Jay in the district championship at 7 p.m. on May 2 at Central.

The Lady Chiefs scored two runs in the second inning, four runs in the third and 10 runs in the fourth.

Mikayla McAnally struck out 10 and threw a no-hitter in 4.0 innings to earn the win.

Jamison Gilman went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run; Bailey Burkette went 2-for-2 with an RBI; Riley Brooks went 2-for-2 with three RBIs and three runs; and McAnally went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs to lead the Lady Chiefs.