Clinton hosted Hobbton in a non-conference baseball game on Friday. The Wildcats got a dominating pitching performance from Hunter Britt and used timely hitting to pick up their third win of the young season with an 8-4 win over the Dark Horses.

Hobbton jumped on top early, scoring four runs in the top of the first to open up a commanding lead. Clinton would answer with a run in the bottom half of the inning before Britt shut down the Clinton batsmen.

Hobbton added two more runs in the third inning to increase their lead to 6-1 and with the Dark Horses struggling to produce offense the Wildcats were in complete control of the contest. Clinton cut into the Wildcat lead in their half of the fourth, plating two runs to make the score 6-3 in favor of the Wildcats.

The Dark Horses added a run in the bottom of the sixth to get within two runs at 6-4 but the Wildcats added a couple of insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning to put the game out of reach at 8-4. Clinton opened the seventh inning by getting the lead-off batter on base but any hope of a rally was quickly erased by a 1 to 6 to 3 double play. Britt retired the final batter to complete the 6 hit complete game gem and send the Wildcats back to Newton Grove with the win.

Britt went the distance for Hobbton, pitching seven complete, striking out twelve and giving up four runs on six hits. The Dark Horses used three pitchers as Logan Spell started on the hill before being chase after an inning and a third. Bailey Spell came on the give the Dark Horses three and two third innings of no hit ball in the middle innings, striking out seven Wildcat batters. Zack Parker came on to pitch the final two innings for the Horses giving up two runs on two hits and a walk.

Bailey Spell was the bright spot for the Horses at the plate, going 3 for 4 with 3 singles and scored a run. Jonathan Wright, Charles Jordan and Andrew Thornton had one hit each, Wright, Thornton and Skyler Cannady each scored one run apiece to round out the Dark Horse offensive stats.

Clinton head coach, Tracey Thornton, said after the game, “You have to give Hobbton credit, they definitely have some good pitching. We have to get healed up, we have some hurting arms and legs. We did have some good things tonight, we had some guys take advantage of getting in the game due to these injuries and they did a nice job making some plays. Hopefully we will get better and the season goes along and we can get some guys back up to speed and on the field.”

Hobbton keeps their record perfect, moving to 3-0 with the win over the Horses. Clinton meanwhile continues to look for their first win, falling to 0-2 in the early going. The Wildcats travel to Union on Monday while Clinton returns to action in a rematch at Hobbton on next Wednesday.

Reach Mike Carter at [email protected]

Hunter Britt and the Wildcats drop Clinton, 8-4

By Mike Carter

Sports Writer

Hobbton’s Hunter Britt drives toward the plate with a fifth inning pitch. Britt overpowered Clinton on Friday, six hitting the Dark Horses and helping the Wilcats to an 8-4 win. To view more photos from this game, visit the sports section on atthe18foto.smugmug.com.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_DSC_9909.jpgHobbton’s Hunter Britt drives toward the plate with a fifth inning pitch. Britt overpowered Clinton on Friday, six hitting the Dark Horses and helping the Wilcats to an 8-4 win. To view more photos from this game, visit the sports section on atthe18foto.smugmug.com.

Hobbton’s Daniel Villagomez slides into second with a stolen base, arriving well before the ball as Clinton’s Jordan Lillingston gets into position to take the throw.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_DSC_9952.jpgHobbton’s Daniel Villagomez slides into second with a stolen base, arriving well before the ball as Clinton’s Jordan Lillingston gets into position to take the throw.