This article has been updated with a photo gallery.

MURFREESBORO, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Tuesday, May 21, the Clarksville High Wildcats traveled to Siegel High School for the opening round of the TSSAA state tournament. While CHS flirted with a comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning, they ended up falling short, losing 4-5.

As the game began, Clarksville High struggled to find hits, however, Cade Abernathy had himself a day as he was able to go 3-3 with a double. He ended up being the lone Wildcat with a hit through the first five innings played. With their lack of production, CHS faced a 0-5 deficit through six innings.

Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High junior pitcher Braden Taylor in the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)
Clarksville High lost in the opening round of the state tournament on May 21, 2024. (Ryan Vinson)

“Their pitchers did a great job, and we hit way too many fly balls,” said Clarksville High head coach Brian Hetland. “We couldn’t make plays when we needed to.”

Despite the early struggles, the Wildcats started to find their rhythm, loading the bases in the bottom of the seventh. That’s when Kirk Weatherford found a gap in the outfield to set up a 3-RBI triple, bringing the game to a 3-5 deficit.

“I’m proud of the guy’s rally at the end,” Hetland told Clarksville Now. “We made them play; it was just a little bit too late.”

As the seventh inning continued, Briley Hagewood came to the plate and flied out to centerfield, and that’s when Weatherford tagged up from third base to score. However, a questionable call from the umpires ruled that Jack Wyatt, who was also on base, did not tag up to advance, ending the game with the Stats winning 5-4.

The Wildcats will now play with their season on the line this morning at 10 a.m. against Beech High School.

Christian Brown contributed to this article.