Lady Tigers fall to Clarke County

Demopolis (2-8-1) lost its home opener Tuesday afternoon, allowing five unanswered runs in a 5-1 loss to Clarke County.

“We’re getting to the point where we’re improving as a ball club, but we’re not improving at the plate, which makes our margin of error slim,” Demopolis coach Stephen Campbell said. “We can’t have a bobble. We can’t make a mistake.”

Demopolis took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Courtney Smith dropped down a bunt single to plate her sister, Taylor Smith, who led off the inning with a bunt single.

The Lady Tigers then entered a stretch in which they put one runner on base over the next 12 batters. Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Demopolis got walks from Napoleon Roberson and Abbey Latham before Courtney Smith reached on another bunt single to load the bases. The threat ended there as the Lady Tigers saw two unearned runs cross the plate in the top of the seventh to seal the game.

Hanna Malone started the game for Demopolis, pitching two and two-thirds innings and allowing three earned runs. Natalie Tatum followed with four and a third innings of work, striking out eight and scattering three hits and walk while allowing two unearned runs.

“I really thought we kind of got away from our game plan as a coaching staff,” Campbell said. “I thought both of our pitchers pitched well. I was really proud of how both of our pitchers pitched.”

Sally Jordan worked a complete game for Clarke County, striking out 10 while scattering four hits and three walks.