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JuVonta Raymond connects of an RBI in the first inning. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Caleb Burnette races to first base in an attempt to beat PRC catcher Hayden Dunhurst's throw. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Rightfielder Peyton Esslinger had two put outs against Pearl River Central on Tuesday. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Tyler Fletcher pitched a complete game with a 0.00 ERA, no runs, two walks and four strikeouts. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Rigell Robinson had a 4.94 ERA with seven strikeouts, one walk, four earned runs and five hits in 5.2 innings. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Trenton Lee slides into third base as a throw to get him out soars over the third basemen’s reach, allowing Lee to reach home plate with ease. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

Hayden Dunhurst nearly cranks a home run against Picayune, but is inches short and caught by a Picayune outfielder. Photo by Taylor Welsh.

CARRIERE — The only thing standing in the Blue Devils’ way to become district champions Tuesday night was its rival Picayune. Even though the Maroon Tide locked a playoff spot, Picayune proved once again that the team has what it takes to battle with some of the best teams in the state after shutting out the Blue Devils team 5-0.

The Tide needed early momentum in the game in order to take home a victory on enemy turf, and as energy began to fill the Tide’s dugout, the first three batters of the lineup hit singles.

The third batter, Trenton Lee, swung on the first pitch to bring home teammate Shaun Anderson. Two batters later, JuVonta Raymond nicked an RBI in the top of the first inning to give his team a prompt 2-0 lead.

In the top of the third, Lee led the Tide with another RBI in the left field to bring Anderson home for a second time. After Jacob Brumley hit a single, Lee attempted to steal third base. When he did, a wild throw to get him out soared over the third basemen’s head, allowing Lee to turn the corner to score another run that put the Tide up 4-0.

Picayune’s rally ran out of fuel after Caleb Burnette hit an RBI double, but the Tide’s 5-0 lead in the third inning was enough to hold off the Blue Devils while shutting them out, a feat no team has accomplished against PRC this season.

Tyler Fletcher pitched a complete game for the Tide, conceding five hits while connecting on four strikeouts to help his team shutout the Blue Devils.

Anderson led Picayune with three hits, while Lee followed with two hits and two RBIs. Burnette and Elisha Hickman also made their marks with one hit each.

PRC’s Josh Kennedy notched two hits against Picayune and Eli Lee, Tristan Schlottmann and Austen Izzio each had one hit.