The Pearl River Central baseball team took part in a jamboree last weekend that saw the Blue Devils take on East Central and West Jones.

PRC flexed its offensive muscles en route to a 9-0 victory over West Jones and a 7-2 victory over East Central.

Neither game will go towards PRC’s official record, but were useful in getting the players a taste of competitive play before the regular season begins.

Even though the Blue Devils won both games, Head Coach Neil Walther said there were still some things that need to be improved upon. “We made two base running mistakes, neither cost us, but we addressed those yesterday. Errors are going to happen, you just try to fix them as they come along,” Walther said.

The majority of Blue Devil players have significant varsity experience, but that doesn’t mean they can’t improve.

Walther said his players are always learning and it helps the younger players prepare for pressure situations later in the season.

The team has numerous athletes who could be placed in starting positions, which is a good problem for Walther and his staff to have.

Walther said there are six to seven athletes who have strong defensive abilities, earning them a spot in the starting lineup.

However, those final spots are up for grabs and Walther said playing in the jamboree has helped show each athlete’s capabilities.

“The big thing is to just be ready. We’ve been fortunate that people have been able to accept roles and do the job asked of them,” Walther said.

There are only a few more days of practice left for the Blue Devils before the regular season begins with an away game against Hancock on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

The pitching staff has performed well so far by only giving up a few walks and allowing the Blue Devils to play defense.

It’s a young staff including five sophomores who will be throwing to a first year catcher, Caiden Shoemake.  Chemistry has been good so far and Walther said if they continue performing well the team will be able to compete with anyone.

“They’ve been able to get in the zone. If they can continue to do that I think we’ll be alright. They’re going to be tested,” Walther said.

Consistency is key in baseball so Walther said he’s hoping his team can become more consistent as the season goes on.

The games prior to district will be used to build momentum and clean up issues before the pressure gets turned up a notch in district play. Walther said he wants his team to maintain intensity throughout each game, no matter the score.

If the team can keep up its energy throughout the season and whittle down the mental mistakes, there’s a real shot the Blue Devils make another playoff run.

“I just want them to play defense and give our pitchers a chance. The biggest thing offensively all the time is approach, if we can keep our approach I think we’ll be ok,” Walther said.