Sparkman clinches area race with win over Bob Jones
HARVEST- Sparkman clinched the area race with a 6-2 win over Bob Jones Tuesday night. The 7A top ranked Senators are now 5-0 in area games and will host the area tournament in two weeks.
Sparkman took control early with two home runs in the first inning. Mackenzie Nutt went long against Emma Jarrett with a 2-run shot, followed by Kailey Stoker with a solo shot.
Jarrett gave up another home run to Sparkman freshman third baseman Camryn Warman in the fifth.
Jarrett was relieved by Hannah Pope in the sixth inning.
Sparkman got a complete game from Lily Calvert. She got Bob Jones hitters to hit into two double plays. In the sixth Hunter Smart lined out to third base and a runner was picked off first.
In the seventh Sparkman’s TJ Webster to Mackenzie Nutt to first baseman Michael Ledit went 6-4-3 for a double play.
Over the weekend Sparkman played eight games in three days to win the Bob Jones Invitational Tournament. Coach Dale Palmer dipped into his freshman and JV teams to pull two pitchers up and they both impressed.
“Brooke Pooler and Cassidy Duskin, a freshman and sophomore both did really good job,” Palmer said. “Brooke is a hard thrower with a change up and drop ball and when she’s not in the middle of the plate she is hard to hit. Duskin keeps the ball at the knees. She is a lefty and has never given up a home run.”
Palmer, of course, will rely on senior Kailey Stoker as his #1 starter in the area tournament, regional, and state championship tournament. Calvert will be his next pitcher.
“Kailey has pitched in three state championship games in the last three years. When she is on its really hard for the opponent to hit the ball hard and they don’t score many runs. Lily throws with good velocity and moves the ball around good. They complement each other well.”
Palmer is working Warman at third base with Amanda Shikoh so he has quality depth.
“Warman has stepped up and is getting good at bats so we are going to let her play. Warman is also our second catcher.”
Faith Crocker, who is home schooled, is playing catcher for Sparkman.
Bob Jones lost Wednesday in a make up area game 16-0 to Buckhorn, their worst loss in 3 seasons. James Clemens hosts Bob Jones next Tuesday in a game that will decide who finishes in last place in area play.
