03/28/2024
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CLARKTON –Jayce Hatcher and Cooper Long combined on a 3-hit shutout and struck out 18 batters as they pitched Emereau Bladen to a 2-0 non-conference baseball victory over Clarkton School of Discovery Tuesday.

Hatcher pitched 6-plus innings and struck out 15 batters while giving up 3 hits and 5 walks. Long relieved in the 7th inning and struck out all 3 batters that he faced.

“Jayce Hatcher pitched a solid shutout performance,” said Aviator Coach Joseph Hatcher. “Cooper Long struck out 3 batters in a strong closing performance. Key defensive plays by Emereau was a game changer.”

Long led off the game with a walk, stole 2nd base and scored on Hatcher’s fielder’s choice. Long belted a single to left field to start the 3rd inning, stole a base, advanced on an error and scored on Hatcher’s single for a 2-0 lead.

Hatcher batted 2-for-3 with a double and 2 RBIs for Emereau. Long singled, walked twice and scored twice.

Jaxon Hair pitched 5 innings for the Blue Devils and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and 4 walks while striking out five. Teammate Aidan Trinidad worked 2 innings of scoreless relief and allowed 1 hit while striking out one.

Omar Powell walked twice and singled to lead the Clarkton hitters. Noah German and Trinidad connected for 1 hit each for the Blue Devils.

The Blue Devils, now 2-5, will travel to Tabor City on April 20th. Emereau Bladen, now 3-4, is slated to travel to Harrells Christian Thursday.

Emereau 101 000 0 —  2-3-0
Clarkton 000 000 0 — 0-3-1

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