North Jackson Chiefs Class 4A Area 14 runner-up

By Cinthia Rico
On Friday at Etowah High School, the North Jackson Chiefs kicked off their competition for the Class 4A, Area 14 title.

The Chiefs defeated the Blue Devils 5-3 as their defense worked to thwart the Blue Devils’ late comeback.

Carson Smith earned the win on the hill for North Jackson, surrendering six hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out four and walking two.

Blake Mathews scored in the top of the first inning, and Nick Jernagin’s double play put North Jackson ahead.

Logan Shoemake crossed home, and Mathews drew a walk, furthering the Chiefs’ advantage to 2-0 in the second. In the following play, Jonathan Linderman scored on a while pitch, and Brody Caraway scored on a ground ball from Smith.

At the top of the fourth, Mathews added North Jackson’s final run, scoring on a passed ball, bringing the score to 5-0.

In the fifth, Etowah made a comeback, scoring two more runs on singles and doubles to trim the lead to 5-2. After a Reeves single in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Chiefs stepped up their defense and stopped any more advances.

Bodie Burnett led the Chiefs with two hits in four at-bats, while second baseman Mathews went 1-for-2.

North Jackson collected eight walks against the Blue Devils, led by Carson Smith, Linderman, and Mathews, who each tallied two walks.

Damon Devine took the loss for Etowah, surrendering five runs on five hits, striking out four, and walking six over three and one-third innings.

On Saturday, the Chiefs hosted Etowah for their final regular season matchup in Stevenson.
The Chiefs finished as the Class 4A, Area 14 runners-up, falling short of victory, 7-4, despite a strong start from North Jackson.

With three walks, Carson Smith led the Chiefs in scoring. Against Etowah, the Chiefs recorded multiple hits. Wynne, Mathews, Nick Jernagin, Logan Shoemaker, Smith, and Jonathen Linderman each scored one hit.

Starting for North Jackson, Cayden Wynne worked four innings on the hill, giving up five hits and three runs while striking out four batters.

Blake Mathews entered the game in relief, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out two over two innings.

Smith got the Chiefs started at the bottom of the first with a single to center field, and Mathews scored on the throw.

Smith scored on a Bodie Burnett single a play later, and North Jackson took a 2-0 lead.
Smith plated home at the bottom of the third, and Mathews scored in the sixth as the Chiefs continued battling.

Etowah tied the game at 3 at the top of the fourth and added runs in the next three innings en route to a 7-4 win.

North Jackson and Etowah now turn their attention to the postseason that kicked off this week.
In the first round of the AHSAA 2024 Baseball Playoffs, Area 9 winner Jacksonville (17-12) will host Area 14 runner-up North Jackson (24-7) on Friday, April 19.