CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville High Wildcats hosted the Rossview Hawks for game two (with game one being suspended) of their rivalry series on Tuesday. The game, between two of the top five teams in the state, was low scoring for a while. But the Wildcat’s bats put up massive numbers in the third and fourth innings and held off a late Rossview rally for an 8-3 victory.
Rossview right-handed pitcher Aiden Smith was dealing in the first two innings as he held the opposition scoreless. However, due to some errors and timely hitting by the Wildcats, which included a two-run home run from shortstop Kayden Pledger, CHS took the lead. Rossview got one on the board in the top of the fourth inning, courtesy of a Julian Richards RBI single. Another homerun from left fielder Jack Wyatt gave the Wildcats an 8-1 lead at the end of the fourth.
“Their kid did a really good job early on getting out of some jams, and it was a battle of two really good pitchers early on,” said Wildcats head coach Brian Hetland. “We got some things going, and had some guys do good things. This was two really good teams with dangerous offenses, and we were fortunate to have the ball bounce our way tonight.”
The Hawks didn’t go quietly though as they scratched two runs across in the top of the fifth inning, including an RBI from shortstop Caden Slaughter, who led the Hawks with two hits on the night.
This led to the end of the outing for Wildcats starting left-handed pitcher Porter Murff’s, who allowed three runs in 4.2 innings while striking out six. Right-handed pitcher Kirk Weatherford came in for relief and slammed the door shut on any potential Hawks comeback. He allowed just two hits while giving up no runs in 2.1 innings worked. The game ended with CHS earning an 8-3 victory.
While Clarksville High won by five runs, Rossview actually outhit Clarksville 10-6, but left 11 runners on base.
“We had some chances, we just left way too many guys on base,” said Hawks head coach Parker Holman. “It wasn’t one specific thing, we just couldn’t get what we needed at that moment. We can’t give up outs when you’re down late in the game. Hats off to them, and we’re gonna play again tomorrow.”
On Wednesday, the two teams will resume game one of the series where they left off on Monday, with Jordan Akins at the plate, two outs, bases loaded, and a one-two count, in a 7-7 ball game in the bottom of the fifth. It’s a unique situation, but one that both teams seem ready for.
“I’m just glad it’s 1-2 not 3-2,” said Hetland. “We have to go in there and fill the zone up and compete. It’s not an easy spot to be in for anyone in that situation. Just try to get an out early and hopefully score some runs.”
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