BLADENBORO – Freshman Brennan Bell pitched an 8-hit shutout and struck out 2 to lead Clinton to a 7-0 Southeastern Athletic Conference baseball victory over West Bladen Friday night.
It was a frustrating night for Coach Wade Pait’s Knights who saw their 4-game winning streak snapped. West Bladen committed 4 errors and left 9 runners on base including leaving the bases loaded in the 3rd and 6th innings.
Junior Cooper Sessoms singled and junior Dawson Smith doubled in the Dark Horse 1st inning. Two errors in the inning helped the visitors take a 2-0 lead. Four walks and a Dawson Smith single produced 3 more Clinton runs in the 5th inning.
Junior Will Bass’ single, an error and a sacrifice fly plated 2 more Clinton runs and pushed the lead to 7-0 in the 6th inning.
Dawson Smith batted 2-for-2 with a double, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored to lead the Clinton hitters. Bass was 2-3 with a run scored.
Junior Andre Moore batted a perfect 3-for-3 to lead the Knight hitters. Junior Jordan Hester finished 2-for-3 at the plate. Sophomores Cade Allen and Garrett Dunham and senior Hunter Elks contributed 1 hit each to the West attack.
Sophomore Brady Durden started on the mound for the Knights and pitched 4 innings allowing 2 runs – 0 earned-on 4 hits and a walk while striking out 2. Senior Garrison Carr worked 0.1 innings of relief and gave up 3 runs on 1 hit and 2 walks. Senior Bryce Fuller faced 2 batters in the 5th inning and issued 2 walks. Dunham worked the final 2.2 innings on the hill and gave up 2 unearned runs on a hit and a walk while striking out 3.
The Knights, now 1-1 in SAC-7 play and 6-2 overall, will host South Columbus Tuesday night. Clinton, now 1-1 in league and 4-3 overall, will travel to East Bladen Tuesday night.
Clinton 200 032 0 — 7-6-0
West Bladen 000 000 0 — 0-8-4
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