CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Rossview Hawks traveled to Clarksville High for the District 13-4A tournament semifinal against the Clarksville Wildcats.
A game that included great pitching, a lengthy rain delay and timely hitting, culminated in a comeback effort from Clarksville that fell just short, and the Hawks would advance to the district championship, winning 10-8.
Early on, both offenses were on fire. Preston Brooks led the way for Clarksville going 3-4 with a triple, while Ashton Kemp and Brady Cooper led the Hawks with two hits each. After three innings, the teams were deadlocked at five.
Rossview head coach Parker Holman said his team just kept fighting, and that’s what you need to do this time of year.
“It was just a scrappy effort, to keep battling and being relentless,” said Holman. “That described us tonight, we were relentless on the plate in the field and on the mound.”
The next few innings were quiet, mostly thanks to Johnny Cabaleiro and Braeden Taylor’s fantastic relief picthing. Eventually, Rossview scratched a run across on a balk to break the tie in the top of the sixth, and added four more insurance runners to make it a 10-5 ball game going into the bottom of the seventh. Clarksville then started a rally. After a few walks and some timely hitting, the Cats had the bases loaded, now only down two.
Clarksville head coach Brian Hetland was proud of the way they fought back into the game.
“It was a great effort to comeback,” said Hetland. “We had a chance, even after a sloppy game.”
However, District 13-4A freshman of the year Becket Haselhuhn would slam the door, and Rossview would advance to the district championship. The Hawks secure a spot in the region tournament, and will get the winner of a Northeast-Clarksville elimination game Friday night at 7.
Holman’s message to the team? Same it’s always been. “Survive and advance. Win two before you lose two.” said Holman.