Naile-ing down history

Friday, May 27, 2011
Charleston pitcher James Naile reacts as the last out is recorded in a 1-0 Class 2 quarterfinal win over Valle Catholic on Thursday in Charleston. (Photo by David Jenkins photo)

Charleston's James Naile blanks Valle as Jays earn first trip to semifinals

sports@standard-democrat.com

CHARLESTON -- Earning his fifth win as many postseason games, James Naile pitched the type of game the Bluejays needed if they wanted a chance to slip by Valle Catholic and make their first-ever appearance in next week's Show Me Showdown.

Taking on the Warriors, the top-ranked Class 2 team in the state, in Thursday's Class 2 quarterfinals, Naile was in top form holding the Warriors to five hits in seven scoreless innings to help the Bluejays pull out the slim 1-0 win.

"He was everything as advertised today," Charleston head coach Michael Minner said of Naile. "I really thought we'd score more runs, but we didn't. Fortunately for us James was just better than them today."

After cruising through four quick innings, Naile faced one of his toughest tests of the postseason when back-to-back singles in the top of the fifth left runners on first and third with one out in a scoreless ball game.

Bearing down, Naile went on to strike out both the Warriors' No. 9 and No. 1 hitters to get out of the jam unscathed.

"Just big pitch after big pitch," Minner said. "A tremendous job. I went out and told him they're going to leave third early and try to snag a run.

"We let the runner go and said we're going to trust that James is better than this guy and he was better today. Everything they've been advertising about him, that was him today on the mound."

Added Naile, "I was on the mound trying to focus on each batter at a time and not look too far ahead. I wanted to be sure to take them one at a time. That's what I did and got out of it."

Making the most of the situation, the Bluejays were able to come back in the bottom of the inning and score what turned out to be the only run of the game.

Following a leadoff walk to catcher Michael Baugh before a Kamari Allmon single left runners on first and third, leadoff hitter Marshall Stallings stepped to the plate with a chance to put the Bluejays on top.

Swinging at the first pitch he saw, Stallings hit a line drive to center to bring in courtesy runner Cole Byford for what ended up as the game-winning run.

"I was just determined to get a hit, find a way on, and score that run so we could get out of here with the win," Stallings said. "I hit it off the handle a little bit. I didn't get my best swing on it, but I hit it in the perfect spot right up the middle."

Needing only six more outs to seal the upset, Naile was able to close the door in the sixth on a potential Valle rally before a one out walk in the seventh once again put the tying run at first.

Bearing down, Naile was able to coax another strikeout from the Warriors' No. 9 hitter before getting a slow rolling grounder back to the pitcher's mound that, with a careful throw to first, ended the game.

"In that last inning I was just trying to stay focused and let the defense work," said Naile. "I was starting to get a little tired, but I just wanted to try and locate my pitches. That was the main thing."

On the other side of the mound, Valle's ace Wayde Roth was tagged with the loss despite allowing three hits and four walks while striking out six.

"He did great job," Valle coach Judd Naeger said. "He had a really good fastball and a really good changeup today. He pitched pitch-for-pitch against a really good kid (in Naile)."

With the win, the Bluejays sail even further into uncharted territory as they become the first Charleston squad to take part in the Show Me Showdown, which starts next Wednesday in Springfield.

"This is everything you work for," said Minner. "It's a dream come true. I'm so proud of the kids, the community and for everybody involved. This is why you play."

Valle Catholic 000 000 0 - 0 5 1

Charleston 000 010 x - 1 3 1

WP -- James Naile. LP -- Wayde Roth. 2B -- (C) Danny McKinney.

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