Clinton rides no-hitters to three-game streak
Clinton’s Aden Golden was golden on the mound and at bat for the Dragons against Oliver Springs on Thursday, March 13. The sophomore pictcher struck out 10 batters and pitched a complete game in the 10-0 win over the Bobcats. Golden also recorded two hits and drove in four runs. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Dragons dropped their first two games last week, falling to Nashville Christian 11-6 on Monday, March 10, and losing to Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett 6-2 the following day.
After a day off, Clinton bounced back in dominant fashion Thursday, securing its first victory of the season with a 10-0 shutout over Oliver Springs.
Aden Golden delivered a historic performance, pitching a perfect game for the Bobcats. He tossed a six-inning complete game, which was called early due to the TSSAA run rule, and he recorded 10 strikeouts.
Golden also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, four RBIs, and a walk.
“Aden threw the ball well,” Dragons Coach Eric Hart said. “He pitched six innings and had a perfect game.”
Jake Rittenberry added three hits, including a double and an RBI. Dallas Beets doubled and scored, while Alex Duggins had two hits, two stolen bases, and an RBI. Will Brooks chipped in with two hits and two runs scored.
Clinton’s pitching dominance continued later that day with another no-hitter in a 10-0 victory over Austin-East.
Will Easterday started on the mound, going four innings and earning the win, allowing just one walk while striking out eight. He handed the ball to reliever Gideon Follett, who fanned three over two innings to seal the combined no-hitter.
Follett also contributed offensively, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Duggins and Brennan Tipton each singled and scored twice.
Friday, Clinton posted an 8-6 win over Eagleton.
Brooks went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two RBIs.
Duggins finished 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Golden doubled and drove in two runs from the leadoff spot.
“In our last three games, things have definitely gone in the right direction,” said Hart, who is in his first season as head coach. “All through the spring, things have been going OK — it’s just been a big inning that’s gotten us.”
Clinton dropped a game against Maryville Christian, 5-4, on Monday.
The Dragons travel to Strawberry Plains on Thursday to take on Carter at 6 p.m. before visiting Grace Christian Academy on Friday at 7 p.m.
