Big win for James Clemens over Bob Jones
Aubri James swings, she had a home run to lead James Clemens to a 15-1 win over Bob Jones (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- Bob Jones and James Clemens finally squeezed a game in between rain and snow on Wednesday and it was the Jets who were doing the celebrating on their home field. Senior-laden James Clemens dominated a Bob Jones team made up mostly of first year starters, winning 15-1 in four and one half innings. The game is the first Class 7A, Area 8 game for both teams.
The Jets plated runs in every inning.
Starting pitcher Emily Jacklin was equally dominating. She had 7 strikeouts, 3 walks, 3 hits and 1 run.
Bob Jones pitcher Hannah Pope went three innings, allowed 4 walks, 10 hits, and 11 runs and took the loss. Hannah Manis pitched one inning.
Jets coach A.J. Daugherty worked to get his field ready to play after rain left Bob Jones field unplayable.
“We have been rained out so much we were just ready to play some ball. We’ve got a good team that has worked really hard and we’re ready to compete,” Daugherty said.
“Bob Jones has a good team and Coach Chambers does a good job but we try not to focus on who is on the other side we want to play Jets softball and when we do the result takes care of itself.”
Caroline Payne’s double knocked in 2 runs to put the Jets up in the first inning. A seven run second was highlighted by a two-run single by Abbey Payne and Sydney Miller’s two-run double after a throwing error allowed 2 more runs to score. Bob Jones got a single run in the third.
James Clemens got a line drive two run homerun by Aubri James in the third and plated four more in the fourth on Katie McCarley’s two run double, a single by Sarah Swager, and Abbie Payne’s RBI single.
Payne had the defensive play of the game. Her diving catch in centerfield and alert throw to first base doubled off the runner.
“We are so excited and I am proud of the way we played as a team.” Jacklin said after the game. “We put runs up and we came out with a big win in a rivalry game. We are so pumped.”
Emily Jacklin
Jacklin pitched practically every inning for James Clemens the last two years but now has a proven pitcher in Aubri James to relieve her.
“It’s awesome because now I have someone to back me,” Jacklin said.
Among the team’s senior leaders are Abbey Payne who has signed with Snead State, her sister Caroline, and Renee Bolduc who has signed with Gadsden State. Sarah Swager is another senior with experience.
McCarley at first base is another three year starter. Catcher Laura Lynn Chaffin and third baseman Shelby Booker are returning starters. Aubri James played left field.
“We did a lot of things right today,” Daugherty said. “We have an outstanding senior class that leads us and puts the team first. Emily pitched an outstanding game today. She worked ahead in the count and limited the walks. Aubri James had a big home run.
Aubri has improved tremendously as a hitter but that is all on her. I’d like to take credit but she has put in the work and we saw it start to pay off. She has pitched a little for us already and we are definitely going to work her inside the circle this year,” Daugherty added.
James Clemens will host Hazel Green next Tuesday and Bob Jones hosts Sparkman, both Area 8 games.
Bob Jones has to schedule a make up game at Hazel Green that was snowed out.
