CENTREVILLE — Hunter Devall gave his team just what it needed Tuesday evening against district rival Central Private.

The Centreville Academy starter threw seven shutout innings as the Tigers (26-7) defeated Central Private 5-0 in the MAIS Class AA South State championship series.

Devall gave up just one hit and two walks while striking out 11, and Centreville coach Jason Horne couldn’t say enough about his Game 1 starter.

“He’s been there all year for us, and he threw a heck of a game,” Horne said. “Our defense didn’t have any errors, and I think everyone in the lineup got a hit. We just played team ball again.”

Horne said Devall had all three of his pitches working against the Rebels Tuesday night.

“He was locating his fastball, and his changeup was working well,” Horne said. “His curveball was there, too. He was hitting his spots.”

Centreville’s Tyler Towles and Change Humphreys both doubled. No one for Centreville had more than one hit.

With the Tigers up 1-0 in the series, Horne said it was important for his team to bring its best game the as series shifts to Central Private’s home field at 5 p.m. Friday.

“It’s very important that we got that first game, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Horne said.

“It’s a similar situation to the regular season, where they took two one-run ball games at their place (to win the district). They’ll be ready to play Friday, but we will, too.”