NATCHEZ — Cathedral High School played like a team whose emotions were drained.

Porter’s Chapel Academy, meanwhile, didn’t exactly take advantage of Cathedral’s subdued energy level.

So in a game where there wasn’t really a team that “wanted it more,” timely hitting proved to be the difference. And the Green Wave managed to pull out a 2-0 win behind some strong pitching by starter Caleb Upton.

“We were down,” Cathedral head coach Craig Beesley said of his team’s emotions. “We had a big win last night, winning the (regional) championship and beating St. Al.

“We’re going to have to get used to coming back after big games, because with three-game series in the playoffs, you’re not going to be able to (have a letdown).”

Upton pitched seven innings of shutout ball, giving up just four hits and one walk. Cathedral committed two errors on defense, and Porter’s Chapel left six runners on base.

“I was pleased with the way Caleb threw for us,” Beesley said. “We’re looking for another pitcher to step up, and he’ll be able to give us some innings in the playoffs with those three-game series.”

Beesley said Upton, normally the team’s starting catcher, showed good poise on the mound, even when Porter’s Chapel threatened several times during the game.

“His control was good, and he did a good job staying in front of batters,” Beesley said.

“We made some plays behind him, but we let a few get in that I thought we could have made better attempts at defensively. We’re getting there. We’re getting ready for the playoffs, and hopefully we’re peaking at the right time of the year.”

After three shutout innings, Cathedral finally got on the board when Blake Martin scored from second on a single by Kyle Bradley in the bottom of the fourth. Porter’s Chapel center fielder Dewayne Russell fumbled the ball, allowing Martin to round third and head home.

Cathedral made it 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning when Turner Janette came home after Porter’s Chapel first baseman Sam Staggs fumbled a throw by shortstop Sam Kirk. Cathedral’s Thomas Garrity was safe at first on the error.

That proved to be all the run support Upton needed, as he finished with 10 stikeouts on the afternoon. Despite a leadoff error in the top of the seventh inning, Upton retired the side to end the game.

With Cathedral having a first-round bye in the MHSAA Class 1A postseason, the Green Wave will spend the next week playing several area teams before a nine-game layoff. Cathedral (10-6, 5-1) will head to Franklin County High School Tuesday, play Natchez High School Wednesday and host Franklin County on Thursday.