Priceville sweeps North Jackson to advance to second round of playoffs

4A’s top-ranked team advanced to the second round of the state playoffs following a two-game sweep of North Jackson. It is the first time the Bulldogs have advanced to the second round since 2012.

Priceville (26-4) swept the Chiefs 6-2 and 3-2 behind their starting pitchers JoJo Garrison, a Troy signee, and Thomas Kerby.

“Anytime you got those two on the mound, you have a chance to win,” Priceville coach Preston Potter said. “ They have been big for us all season long.”

Game one: Priceville 6, North Jackson 2

Garrison pitched six innings to earn the win in game one, allowing two runs while striking out eight. Jackson Prickett earned the save with a scoreless seventh inning. Prickett had three hits, an RBI and scored three runs to lead the Priceville offense. Zach Chaney added two hits and scored two runs, while Wes Walker added a double and two RBI.

Game two: Priceville 3, North Jackson 2

The Bulldogs held off North Jackson in game two, winning 3-2, to sweep the first-round playoff series.

Priceville and North Jackson were tied 1-1 after four innings before the Bulldogs pushed two runs across the plate when Walker connected for a two-run home run in the fifth for a 3-1 lead. The Chiefs put a scare into the Bulldogs with a run in the bottom of the seventh to cut the lead to 3-2, but Prickett earned his second save of the day with a three-pitch out to close out the game.

Walker finished with three hits, including a home run and two RBI. Prickett had the Bulldogs’ only other hit.

Kerby pitched 6 ⅔ innings to earn the win. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out 13.

The win in game two was Priceville’s head coach Preston Potter’s 100th career win in seven seasons.

Priceville will travel to Cordova this weekend for round two of the 4A playoffs.