CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Kirkwood Cobras traveled to Clarksville High for game two of a best-of-three series on Sunday, in a revamped District 13-4A tournament bracket due to weather. The Wildcats used some timely hitting to win 10-0 in six innings, advancing them to the district championship game.

Early on, the scoring was slim, with both starting pitchers dealing. Kirkwood’s Matthew Dirks allowed only six hits in five innings pitched, and Clarksville’s Porter Murff struck out 10 in five innings. However, the Wildcats’ third baseman broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth with a three-run homer, giving him his fifth RBI on the night.

#22 Porter Murff of the Clarksville High Wildcats throws the openign pitch against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#42 Matt Dirks of the Kirkwood Cobras pitching against the Clarksville High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#7 Andrew West of the Kirkwood Cobras makes the catch against the Clarksville High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#2 Keaton Anderson of the Clarksville High Wildcats makes the outfield play against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#20 Cane Abernathy of the Clarksville High Wildcats with a 3 run homerun against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#25 Kirk Weatherford of the Clarksville High Wildcats makes the infield play against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#15 Alex Rosenburger of the Kirkwood Cobras with the impressive play as short stop against the Clarksvilel High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#15 Alex Rosenburger of the Kirkwood Cobras with the impressive play as short stop against the Clarksvilel High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#34 Peyton Deloach of the Kirkwood Cobras makes the outfield catch against the Clarksville High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#24 Dalton Byrd of the Clarksville High Wildcats makes the play at first base against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#20 Cane Abernathy of the Clarksville High Wildcats greeted by his teamates after crushing a 3 run homerun against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#16 Benton Barksdale of the Clarksville High Wildcatsmakes the outfield catch against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#16 Benton Barksdale of the Clarksville High Wildcatsmakes the outfield catch against the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
The Clarksville High Wildcats defeated the Kirkwood Cobras in the District Semifinals on May 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)
#12 Gavin Rogers of the Kirkwood Cobras makes the catch against the Clarksville High Wildcats in the District Semifinals on may 4, 2025 (Jeff Danault)

“It took us a while to get going, and Dirks had a lot to do with that,” said Wildcats head coach Brian Hetland. “Our guys battled and did a really good job. Porter had a great start and competed well. We had some good and bad moments, but we scored 10 runs, so you can’t be upset about that.”

| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Clarksville Now app

The Cobras had their chances but were unable to respond offensively, with Wildcat reliever Dawson Smith closing the door, allowing one hit and no runs in an inning of relief. The Cobras’ season comes to an end, but it’s a historic one, earning their first playoff victory in only their second year as a program.

“We just couldn’t finish, and when you’re playing a good baseball team, you have to finish,” said Kirkwood head coach Rick Yauger. “We’ve set some new standards, and we’ve grown as a program. We have a long way to go, but their commitment and work ethic have been outstanding. The tough part is not seeing those three seniors anymore. They are all mentally tough, and I suspect big things out of all of them in the future.”

What’s next

As for Clarksville, they will face Rossview in a one-game district championship Monday night at Clarksville High at 6 p.m. It will be the third meeting between the two teams, splitting the previous two matchups.

“It’s really good to know you’re extending your season,” said Hetland. “We just have to take care of business from here on out; you can’t take the game for granted. It’s not an easy game, and we have to continue to compete, play every pitch, and see what happens.”

Elsewhere in Clarksville:

Rossview defeated Northeast 21-1, ending the Eagles season.

| MORE LOCAL SPORTS: Sign up for the free daily Clarksville Now email newsletter