In a game dominated by pitching and limited offensive chances, the Clinton Varsity Maroons plated one early run and made it hold up in a 1-0 win over the Meridian Hawks.
Clinton got on the board in the top of the first inning, and it turned out to be all they would need. After Josh Bass reached base, courtesy runner Xander Reynolds entered and immediately created pressure, stealing second to move into scoring position. With two outs, Brock Wilson put the ball in play with a groundout to third, allowing Jack Manning to come home and give the Maroons a 1-0 lead.
From that point on, both pitchers took control.
Cooper Massey was outstanding for Clinton, throwing a complete game shutout. He allowed just three hits across seven innings while striking out eight and working around two walks. Massey consistently delivered in key moments, shutting down any momentum Meridian tried to build.
Meridian’s Grady Stock was just as impressive, matching Massey inning for inning. Stock also went the distance, allowing only three hits and one unearned run while striking out nine, keeping the Hawks within reach throughout.
Offense was hard to come by on both sides, as each team finished with just three hits. But Clinton’s ability to capitalize early proved to be the difference in a true pitcher’s duel.
Top Performers
Clinton Varsity Maroons
- Cooper Massey: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
- Jaxon Reynolds: 1-for-3
- Josh Bass: 1-for-3
- Ryan Pine: 1-for-3
Meridian Hawks
- Grady Stock: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 1 BB, 9 K
- Brody Britton: 1-for-2
- Paxton Trimby: 1-for-3
- Ted Jones: 1-for-3