Tatum fans 11 in win over Clarke County

Demopolis (4-6-1) staked Danielle Tatum to a four-run lead in the first inning and watched as the senior made it stand up en route to a 4-0 win over Clarke County Friday night.

“We talked about that last night, jumping on them early and playing solid defensively,” Demopolis head coach Joey Browder said. “Danielle (Tatum) and (catcher Alexis Jones) did a wonderful job. It was big for us to be able to finish.”

Tatum mystified Lady Bulldog hitters much of the night, carrying a no-hitter into the fourth inning before surrendering a single to right field. The base hit proved to be the only one of its kind for Clarke County on the night as Tatum fanned 11 batters over seven innings for the win.

“Danielle has pitched well all season so far. What we’re working on with her is her focus and finishing,” Browder said of what has become a key issue for Tatum and her teammates. “That is our whole team thing.”

Riley King started the scoring for the Lady Tigers when she drew a walk before coming around to score on a error by the right fielder. Alexis Jones picked up a RBI when her ground ball pushed Hanna Malone home. A Jade Montgomery single plated Sydney Colyar to make it 3-0. A slight throwing error on Montgomery’s hit proved to be all Zarquashia Taylor needed to score from first on the play to make it 4-0 for the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Tigers would threaten numerous other times in the contest but failed to add any insurance to their early lead.

“We had some opportunities we didn’t capitalize on,” Browder said. “We have to get better at capitalizing on those opportunities.”

Victoria Washburn finished 2-for-4 in the game. King went 2-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored. Colyar went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Zoe Lewis walked twice. Montgomery went 1-for-3 with a run batted in. Courtney Lawrence also went 1-for-3.

The Lady Tigers are scheduled to play again Monday when they host Jackson.