STARKVILLE — In his 29 seasons as baseball coach at Starkville High School, Danny Carlisle knows pitching and defense can carry a team in the postseason.
That is why he’s excited as he prepares for his final playoff run as leader of the program. The Yellow Jackets have two senior pitchers they can count on to give them a chance against any team.
“We feel like we score it well enough and swing that bats well that we should be pretty solid,” Carlisle said.
Senior right-hander Nick Brooks is Starkville’s ace. Carlisle is convinced Brooks, who has signed to play baseball at East Mississippi Community College, is the definition of a “hard-luck loser.” Brooks has lost three games this season in which he has received two runs or less.
“Nick has never gotten down and always been solid for us,” Carlisle said. “We never hit when he pitched, but he’ll always give us a chance. He’s our best guy for a reason.”
Brooks, who is hitting .412, has lost a 3-0, 1-0, and 3-2 decision and has a 2.10 ERA. He likely will get the baseball Thursday when Starkville plays host to Center Hill in game one of its Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State second-round playoff series.
Carlisle has encouraged his pitchers to throw as many strikes as possible to keep an improved defense in rhythm.
“We preach errors always follow walks because the infield guys aren’t as sharp as they are when the ball is being constantly put in play,” Carlisle said. “We have to fill up that strike zone, and if we do, we’re really tough to beat. I can’t remember a bad outing out of any of our top pitchers this season. That is very reassuring.”
Carlisle also is excited about senior left-hander Nathan Pugh, who likely will start Friday when Starkville plays game two at Center Hill. He said Pugh is a leader who has the perfect mentality to get the ball in a elimination game.
“Nathan Pugh leads with his actions, and you need somebody like that on your baseball team,” Carlisle said. “He pitches well, was hitting about .700 in district play at one time, and plays a great first base. What a great kid for me to coach.”
Pugh is hitting .568 and will be in the middle of the order as the Yellow Jackets try to send Carlisle out with another state championship.
It hasn’t left Carlisle’s mind that this season will be his last leading Starkville High, but he is focused on helping his players overcome the next challenge.
“It’s an eight-game season for everybody in our classification, so I’m just like everybody else,” Carlisle said. “Everybody wants to win eight games, and that’s all we’re focused on.”
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