CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Rossview Hawks and Clarksville Wildcats met up on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to decide the District 13-4A tournament champion.
While Clarksville would come out on fire, a nine run sixth inning for the Hawks would be the difference, and Rossview would win, 11-6. With the win, the Hawks have set a new single-season program record with 34 wins.
Early on, Clarksville used a combination of timely hitting and great defense to take an early 5-0 lead, capitalized by a Korbin Reynolds home run that he smoked into left field. Kirk Weatherford, who normally plays center field, gave the Cats a very quality start on the mound, allowing three runs on five hits through five innings pitched, with five strikeouts.
Clarksville head coach Brian Hetland was enthused with the way Weatherford, and his whole team battled.
“I gave him a chance to go out there ’cause he wanted it,” said Hetland. “I was proud of how the guys responded today, just came up a little bit short.”
Rossview’s offense was quiet for a long time, until Brody Prarie’s two-RBI triple put life back in the Hawk dugout. Then came the sixth inning, when Clarksville threw three separate relief pitchers to try to weather the storm, but it was no use. Rossview would total nine runs on six hits, and take a commanding 11-5 lead after the sixth inning. Rossview head coach Parker Holman was proud to see his message of resiliency resonate in his team.
“You have to be resilient against them, they defend the baseball at such a high level,” said Holman. “Our offense did a good job of keeping composure, and our pitchers limited freebies (walks).”
Rossview closer Cole Jobe was dealing, only allowing one run in his relief outing. The 11 unanswered would be too much to overcome, and Rossview won the District 13-4A championship, 11-6. With the win, Rossview has set a new school record in single season wins in 34.
While Holman is extremely happy for his team, the message to his guys is still the same.
“I think what I’m most proud of is there are numerous alumni that are happy to pass the record on, that warms my heart,” said Holman. “They care about this place enough to come and spend their time here. As for the region tournament, win two before you lose two.”
District 13-4A All-Tournament Team
After the game, the District 13-4A All-Tournament Team was announced:
- Northeast: Cameron Skaggs
- Rossview: Jordan Akins, Brady Cooper, Cole Jobe, C.J. Lattimore, Caden Slaughter
- Clarksville: Cade Abernathy, Korbin Reynolds, Kirk Weatherford
