James Clemens still has lots to play for despite Sparkman loss

MADISON- Tuesday afternoon James Clemens had a chance to seize control of the area race when they hosted Sparkman. The Jets beat Sparkman in an area game on March 14 but this time things were different.

Sparkman scored runs in each of the first five innings on their way to a 13-3 win in seven innings.

James Clemens Coach Travis Barnes tried everything to stop the Senators bats. He started Holly Sharp in the circle. Sharp had pitched a complete game earlier in the win over Sparkman.

“Our pitchers were struggling to hit their spots and Sparkman hit the ball well today. They came with a good approach and you have to give them credit,” Barnes said. “We pitched Holly and they were prepared for her, Maddie pitched seven innings last night and she tried to get them out then we tried Kaitlyn (Childress) and she held them to three runs in three innings which was pretty good the way they were hitting the ball.”

Sparkman pitched Brooke Pooler and she dominated allowing only a Sarah Simon home run with two aboard in the third inning. Pooler also hit a home run, a solo shot.

Sharp walked two batters in the fourth before Barnes lifted her. Sparkman went on to score four that inning, the big blow a Lily Calvert two run double. James Clemens had some errors that opened the door for Sparkman.

But the Jets players showed mental toughness and made some outstanding defensive plays late in the game including a 4-6-3 double play that went Matti Chaffin to Lila Young to Sarah Simon.

“Defensively the last few innings we were real strong. Lila made some diving plays and that is our mentality no matter what the score is we go all out. Sarah has been hitting the ball well all year. We’re trying to get ready for the area tournament.”

Barnes played freshman Emma Young in left field. The team is led by seniors Jordan McMeans, Mattie Chaffin, and Eve Mallard in the middle of the lineup.

The Jets will try to win their final area home game next Tuesday against Bob Jones at 4;30 pm. It is the Annual Breast Cancer Awareness game.

“Whitney (Elder) has Bob Jones playing real good and they are our big crosstown rival. I’m sure our girls will come with the right mindset and ready to play. I want to put a whole game together; pitching, defense, and hitting.  We can play with anybody when we do that,” Barnes said.