Homer in the seventh gives Cloverdale its first win

Thursday, April 2, 2015

NEW MARKET -- Cloverdale's baseball team started its new season off on the right foot, digging out a win in its season opener at Southmont Tuesday.

CHS scored one run in the first inning and two in the fourth. Southmont managed to match the Clovers with one run in the first and scored three in the fourth, giving the Mounties an early lead.

"We still have a long way to go as a baseball team and many things we need to improve upon," new CHS head coach Jarrod Duff said. "But I saw so many positive things on the field tonight. It was definitely a great way to kick off the season. I was very encouraged by the contributions we were able to get from so many different players."

The Clovers won the game in dramatic fashion. After trailing 4-3 at the top of the seventh inning, the Clovers pulled out a three-run swing using a variety of methods and players.

First sophomore Duke Duff stole second after his single, and junior Brayden White took a pitch for the team.

With two men on base, sophomore Joey Martin hammered a three-run homer over the left-field fence to take the lead.

Cloverdale wasn't done yet. After getting two outs in the bottom of the final inning, the Mounties were sitting with runners on second and third. They singled to the left and were able to score their third-base runner.

However that was all the Clovers allowed when White was able to throw out Southmont's second runner on a cutoff from freshman Nick Winders and earn the win.

"Being down going into the seventh inning, and being able to make some things happen with our bats the way we did was great," Coach Duff said.

"Joe Martin hit a clutch home run for us. Then, to end the game with a great throw by Brayden White and for (freshman catcher) Haiden Davis to catch the ball and make the tag was an amazing way to end the game. I am extremely happy for these guys," Duff added

Cloverdale will travel next to Union High School on Friday April 3 before two rivalry games with South Putnam on April 6 and 7.

At Southmont

Cloverdale 100 200 3 -- 6 95

Southmont 100 3 00 1 --5 64

WP: Duff (1-0)

HR: Martin

RBI: Martin 3, Scott

Pitches-Strikes: Duke Duff 40-28, Brayden White 71-40

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