MCKEE — For four innings, Jackson County pitcher Ashton Clemons was dominating on the mound, but South Laurel coach Trey Smith kept telling his team to continue to battle, and the hits would come.
The Cardinal players listed to their coach, and consecutive run-scoring doubles by Jamison West, and Keaton Creech gave South Laurel a 2-1 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
Keaton Smith silenced the Generals’ bats during the final six innings, as the Cardinals picked up a 2-1 win on Thursday.
“Great atmosphere tonight — both teams played good enough to win tonight,” Smith said. “I am really happy we were able to pull through.
Smith turned in his best effort of the season, scattering four hits while allowing one earned run, and striking out 10 batters.
“He was a dominant force out there,” Smith said. “He used all four of his pitches, and did a great job. I’m super-proud of him.”
Jackson County (14-5) took a 1-0 lead in the first inning but West and Creech were able to come through in the top of the fifth inning.
“One thing I like about this team, I’m very confident in our one through nine hitters, and beyond that,” Smith said. “Throughout the game, I told them to keep hitting and it will come. We were able to get back-to-back doubles which were timely hits.”
Clemons tossed a complete game in the loss, allowing six hits, and two earned runs while striking out six batters.
“Anytime time you can win a game like this, it is a confidence booster,” he added. “I thought Clemons threw well, and this experience will allow us to get better.”
