North Murray edges Ringgold, 1-0, creates three-way tie for first

Baseball tile
Baseball tile

CHATSWORTH, Ga. - It's true there isn't much history associated with North Murray High School athletics, but it's safe to say Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Ringgold is the school's most meaningful baseball victory.

The win, which completes a regular-season sweep of the Tigers, puts the Mountaineers (16-5, 11-2) in position to win their first Region 6-AAA title. North Murray, Ringgold (20-5, 11-2) and Coahulla Creek are tied atop the league with five games remaining.

Senior right-hander Nick Malechesky used a solid three-pitch repertoire to quiet the potent Ringgold lineup, allowing five hits, striking out four and walking one. The game's lone run was scored in the sixth inning on a throwing error.

"To beat Ringgold you have to pitch really well and make the plays," North Murray coach Preston Poag said. "If they make a mistake you have to take advantage of it, and that's what we did. It was a well-pitched game on both sides, not many hits or opportunities to score.

"I can't say enough about Nick Malchesky. That's what an ace is supposed to do. He just kept them off balanced. He throws hard, but he used his curveball and changeup well today."

Ringgold pitcher Nathan Camp was just as good. The right-hander allowed just two hits and struck out six, with three walks and a hit batter. It was the HBP that allowed Brady Harper to reach base with one out in the sixth that started the winning rally.

Malchesky followed with a four-pitch walk and Jaden Baggett hit a would-be double-play grounder that, after the force at second, resulted in an errant throw to first that allowed the speedy Harper to score.

Malchesky then sat the Tigers down in order in the seventh, having retired the final eight batters.

"Every pitch was working for me," he said. "My changeup was effective and I was able to break off a few good curveballs. They are a good-hitting team, so you have to be tough and just stay after them."

He was also the recipient of strong defensive play behind him, notably a third-inning double play that featured the strong arm of right fielder Ethan Payne. The Tigers had the bases loaded with one out when Noah Parrish hit a medium-depth fly to right, where Payne caught the ball and unleashed a strike to cut down Holden Tucker at the plate.

Malchesky didn't allow a runner past second the rest of the way.

"Baseball is funny," Poag said. "Ethan struggled at the plate - he didn't get a bunt down for us - but he made the biggest play of the game. Man, what a throw. He's got a big arm and that play meant a lot."

Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296; follow on Twitter @youngsports22

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