Chiles’ Noah Chavez Shuts Out Lincoln to Force Deciding Game 3
The Chiles Trojans remain alive in the Class 5A regional semifinals after ace pitcher Noah Chavez unleashed a dominant performance, shutting out crosstown rival Lincoln 1-0 to even the series Saturday. Chavez’s masterful outing of 6 2/3 scoreless innings featured an impressive 11 strikeouts, keeping Lincoln off the scoreboard and pushing the rivalry to a winner-take-all Game 3.
Following an 8-3 loss earlier in the doubleheader, top-seeded Chiles needed a spark to survive, and Chavez delivered under pressure. “I can’t be any more excited about getting another shot in the playoffs this year,” Chavez said after the game. “The way things are ending, hopefully we get the win tomorrow and play another game.”
Chavez’s Mastery on the Mound
Chavez kept the Trojans in the contest by battling through multiple Lincoln threats, scattering hits but never allowing a run. His pitching stats this season underscore his rising star status with a stride toward Tallahassee State College: a blazing 0.81 ERA, a record of 8-1, and a stunning 90 strikeouts in the campaign. Chavez’s tactical approach against a familiar opponent showed poise and confidence, forcing hitters to face head-on fastballs and strikeouts.
“Sometimes you’ve got to know when you can or cannot strike somebody out and what their weaknesses are,” Chavez said. “Going straight at them is my biggest thing.”
The game’s lone run came in the third inning when Preston Ritchie doubled to bring home JR Thompson, a critical moment breaking the scoreless deadlock.
Lincoln’s offense repeatedly threatened but was repeatedly stifled by Chavez and sharp defense from the Chiles Timberwolves. Reliever Conor Borges closed the door in the seventh inning, sealing the shutout and forcing Sunday’s series-deciding showdown.
High Stakes Ahead – Game 3 Set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
With the regional semifinal tied at one game each, the pressure intensifies for seniors and the entire Chiles squad. “The seniors got to know that they have maybe only one more game left, so if you don’t play as hard as you can, there’s no point in going at all,” Chavez said emphatically. “Just got to win it.”
The winner of Sunday’s Game 3 will advance to face the victor of the Niceville-Mosley matchup in the regional final. The stakes could not be higher as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
Big Bend Regional Recap
Across the region, pitching and tight battles have marked the playoffs:
- No. 3 St. John Paul II defeated Covenant twice with scores of 7-6 and 7-2 to advance
- No. 1 Union County shut out Madison County twice, 2-0 and 10-7
- No. 3 Lafayette edged out No. 2 Aucilla Christian in a thrilling three-game series, finishing 12-8
The Big Bend baseball scene is heating up as teams push toward state glory this spring.
Coverage provided by Peter Holland Jr., a reporter specializing in Florida State athletics and Big Bend prep sports. For tips on high school athletes, contact him at [email protected] or on X @_Da_pistol.
