CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) –The Columbia Academy Bulldogs traveled to Wes Smith Field at the Clarksville Academy Sports Complex for the Division II-A Middle Region Championship. The Cougars used a strong offensive showing, along with some efficient and effective pitching, to earn a 7-1 win. With the win, Clarksville Academy earns their first region championship since 2016, as well as claim a bye and home playoff game in the state tournament.
The Cougars came out swinging, scoring five runs in the first inning to take a huge early lead. Tristen Cobbler and Jalon Page both collected 2 RBI singles in the same inning to highlight the scoring, and Clarksville Academy claimed the momentum from the first pitch.
“We challenged those guys for a while, the last two games we’ve had runners in scoring position early and we haven’t got that big hit,” said Cougars head coach Dustin Smith. “Tonight, we stepped on the gas early, and it let our guys relax and just play.”
The Cougars added one run each in the second and third innings, but the offense was then hard to come by after that point. Thankfully, the pitching staff continued to deal.
Clarksville Academy’s Garrett Allen allowed only five hits and one run in 5.1 innings pitched, and Chris Irby slammed the door shut in relief, allowing one hit and no runs in 1.2 innings to close the contest out. The Cougars now set their sights on the state tournament, where they will get a bye into the elite eight, and begin their quest for a title next Wednesday on their home field.
“These boys deserve this; they’ve done a great job attacking every day,” said Smith. “Allen gave us a great start, and Irby came in and did his job. The pitchers were fantastic tonight. We’ve had our eyes on the prize of a state title from day one. Our goal is to get there; this is a step, but we have to continue to climb.”
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