Fourth inning magic works for Hawks
CMS will play in Lenoir City Saturday for chance to advance
Hawk Erick Tirado slides into third during the Hawks’ late rally in a previous game against Norris.
The game was tied at one with the Hawks batting in the bottom of the fourth when seventh-grader Erick Tirado batted in a run on a groundout.
The pitching was strong on both sides. Eighth-grader Jaxon Young took the win for Clinton Middle School.
The righthander lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing two hits and one run, while striking out two.
Aden Golden threw one-and-one-third inning in relief out of the bullpen.
Hayden Ault was on the mound for Norris, allowing three hits and one run over two innings, walking one.
D.J. Pierce threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.
Eighth-grader JP Robbins went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Hawks in hits.
Defensively, the Hawks played a near-flawless game with zero errors.
Nothing got past centerfielder Erick Tirado, who came away with three game-saving catches.
The Hawks will play at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at Eaton Ruritan Park in Lenoir City for the Class AA Area 2 Championship and a spot in the Class AA Sectional in Cleveland.