CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Springfield High Yellow Jackets traveled to Clarksville High School to take on the Wildcats in the first round of the 13-4A district tournament on Wednesday, May 1. While Springfield made a late effort to comeback, Clarksville weathered the storm and won 9-6.
Early on, Clarksville High’s offense was scoring at will. The team was led by Briley Hagewood and Cade Abernathy, who had three hits each, including a home run that Hagewood sent into orbit. After four innings, Clarksville jumped out to an 8-0 lead. CHS head coach Brian Hetland was excited to see his team start off hot in the postseason.
“Kids are kids, they don’t understand that there are no givens in this game,” Hetland said. “I’ve seen it too many times in my years coaching, it’s not always the best team, it’s the team that plays the best.”
As the game continued, Springfield High had their bats heat up. The Yellow Jackets put up six runs in the fifth and sixth innings, punctuated by a three-run homer from Tyler Bush.
“It’s hard to beat anybody in baseball, much less three times,” Hetland told Clarksville Now. “In seven innings anything can happen, credit to Springfield and their staff, they gave us a fight down the stretch.”
In the end, Clarksville High relief pitcher Kirk Weatherford entered the game and slammed the door shut on the Yellow Jackets. Weatherford did not allow a hit in his one inning pitched, as he secured a 9-6 Clarksville victory.
Now, Clarksville High has another matchup against Rossview High School in the winner’s bracket, which marks their third matchup this year. With the season series tied at 1-1, each team will fight for the upper hand on Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m.