The Clinton Maroons wasted no time taking control, erupting for a huge first inning on their way to a 14-4, five-inning win over the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Falcons in non-conference action Wednesday night in Clinton.
Clinton capitalized immediately on early control issues from Falcons starter Zeb Greer, who opened the game with 14 straight balls and walked the first five batters before being pulled. The Maroons took full advantage, plating eight runs in the first inning to seize command at 8-1.
The offensive pressure didn’t slow down, as Clinton added three runs in both the second and third innings to extend the lead to 14-1 and put the game firmly out of reach.
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley showed some life in the top of the fifth. Jack Andrews doubled and later scored on a single by Jace Elder. Connor Kinzinger added a sacrifice fly to bring home Jason Christianson, helping trim the deficit to 14-4, but it wasn’t enough to extend the game.
Clinton’s offense was balanced throughout the lineup. Jaxon Reynolds, Brock Wilson, Mitchell Cornwell, and Cole Fentress each went 1-for-2 and scored two runs. Cornwell drove in three runs, while Wilson added a pair of RBIs.
On the mound, Jaeden Bell earned the win in his first start, allowing four runs on four hits while striking out three over three innings. Ryan Pine was sharp in relief, tossing two scoreless innings and striking out three.
For the Falcons, Lane Elder went 1-for-1 with a run scored, and Andrews finished 1-for-3 with a run. After Greer’s early exit, Jace Elder worked two innings, allowing four runs on four hits with one strikeout, while Lane Elder pitched the final two innings, giving up four runs on three hits and striking out two.
With the victory, Clinton improves to 5-3 on the season, while Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley falls to 3-2. The Maroons return to action Thursday at home against Shelbyville, with first pitch set for 4:30 PM.
Top Performers
Clinton Maroons
Mitchell Cornwell: 1-2, 2 R, 3 RBI
Brock Wilson: 1-2, 2 R, 2 RBI
Jaxon Reynolds: 1-2, 2 R, 1 RBI
Cole Fentress: 1-2, 2 R, 1 RBI
Jaeden Bell (W): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 K
Ryan Pine: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K
Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley Falcons
Lane Elder: 1-1, R
Jack Andrews: 1-3, R
Connor Kinzinger: 1 RBI
Coach Ennis talks big win for the Clinton Maroons
Ryan Pine talks dealing on the mound and Maroons dominant win.