Starkville's Pugh takes his talents to All-Star Game

Nathan Pugh pitches for Starkville High School last season. (Photo by Kim Murrell, SDN)

BEN WAIT

Starkville High School baseball player Nathan Pugh continues to be recognized for a solid senior season.

Pugh puts his high school career to rest after he plays in the D.M. Howie Crossroads Diamond Club All-Star game.

The game is set for today at 1 p.m. at Trustmark Park in Pearl. Pugh will be playing in the Class 4A/5A/6A game representing the North team.

"I am real excited to be representing Starkville," the Pearl River Community College signee said. "It is something I have been working hard for. To have this opportunity, it's real special to me."

Pugh pitched, played first base and outfield this past season for the Yellowjackets, who lost in the third round of the Class 5A state playoffs to New Hope.

Offensively for SHS, Pugh batted a club best (minimum 10 at bats) .468, drove in 25 runs, hit one home run, had nine doubles and two triples.
He was 5-4 for the year on the mound, with 54 strikeouts, a 2.55 earned run average and a walks and hits per inning of 1.25.

"I know I will be playing against some of the greatest players in the state of Mississippi," Pugh said. "Everybody made it here because of how they played. I am real excited to be playing against them."

Pugh was selected Starkville Daily News High School Baseball Player of the Year earlier this month.

His senior year has been something to remember and something Pugh envisioned. Hard work is something Pugh credits to all his success this year.

"I worked hard for it," Pugh said. "When it comes, you're real excited about it.

"To see how hard work will pay off, it's real exciting. You work hard and to see it pay off makes it all worth it. It's a great feeling."

Pugh learned earlier this month that he was chosen to the Coach's Class 5A All-State baseball team.

Also participating in the D.M. Howie Crossroads Diamond Club All-Star game is Eupora's Casey Oliver with the Class A/2A/3A squad.