Demopolis downs Clarke 8-1, pulls to 2-2

Demopolis (2-2) grabbed its second win of the day Saturday night when it beat Clarke County 8-1.

After sitting for nearly six hours in between games, the Tigers’ pitching staff showed no signs of rust as the Demopolis defense played sharp in support of its hurlers.

“They did (seem focused). It was a concern to lay off that long, but they came back and they were ready to play,” Demopolis coach James Moody said. “I think we have some things headed in the right direction. We’ve got a long way to go, but right now, as far as what we’re doing on the field, they are heading in the direction we want them.”

Luke Yelverton picked up his first win of the season on the hill, working six innings and scattering five hits and one walk while striking out five.

“Quality starting pitching gives you a chance every time. That set the tone. He was around the zone. He threw strikes,” Moody said of his sophomore pitcher. “I thought it was key that we turned two double plays that helped him out a lot. I saw him growing a little bit tonight. That’s the biggest thing. If those young guys will continue to grow every time they go out and learn the game a little more, we’re going to be alright.”

Tripp Perry finished the game off with a 1-2-3 seventh inning that included a pair of strikeouts.

Demopolis tallied five hits and drew eight walks in addition to absorbing two bean balls in the contest.

Though they would strand eight runners through the first three innings, the Tigers opened the scoring in the second when Michael Brooker picked up a RBI off a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch that plated Jacob Rodrigues.

“Our hitters did some good things early and gave us a chance. We just kept a little constant pressure on them,” Moody said.

Demopolis added four runs in the third inning. Tyler Oates walked and scored on a John Anthony Morrison bases-loaded hit-by-pitch. Stephen Stewart reached on an infield single and scored on a Rodrigues single that also plated Wil Stephens.

Ryan Schroeder later stroked a RBI double that scored Morrison to put Demopolis up 5-0.

“We’re heading in a better direction. We made some outs tonight, but I liked our approach when we made those outs,” Moody said. “We tell them this time of year that if you get beat inside with fastballs, that’s fine because we’re thinking about staying back so much. That’s nothing that worries me right now. That was a good, complete ball game.”

Oates walked to lead off the fourth and stole second before being bunted over to third by Stewart. Oates then hustled home on a passed ball for the seventh Demopolis run of the game.

The Tigers added two more runs in the fifth. Rodrigues began the rally when he stroked his third base hit of the night and gave way to pinch runner Wesley Dunn.

Seth Aiken dropped down a bunt that forced a three-base throwing error that allowed Dunn to score and Aiken to reach third. Brooker then knocked Aiken in with a RBI fly ball to right.

Clarke County got its only run in the sixth inning when Dustin Huggins doubled and scored on a Justin Hoffman RBI single.

Demopolis is scheduled to play again Monday at 4 p.m. when it hosts Sweet Water.