CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville High went up against Arlington on Friday in a sectional matchup. The Wildcats punched their ticket to the state tournament after winning 2-1.
The game was a classic pitching duel. Each team fought to find ways to get players on base. Emberly Nichols started the game on the mound for Clarksville High, and she went the distance. She showcased her abilities to make batters miss and to pitch for contact, and her overall endurance.
Nichols competed the game with a state line of 7 innings pitched, 6 strikeouts, 1 earned run, 4 hits and 5 walks. According to Game Changer, she threw 133 total pitches during the outing. Out of those 133 pitches, 78 of them were strikes. Nichols allowed Arlington’s lone run of the game in the second inning, which gave their opponent the lead.
Clarksville High responded in the following inning with a run of their own to tie the ballgame. The game remained tied until the top of the sixth. The Wildcats were able to put themselves into a bases loaded situation, and Maigan Cope gave them their first lead of the game after a sacrifice fly. The run battled in ended up being the game winning run as Clarksville held on to win and advance to the state tournament.
“The ups and downs of the season have prepared this team for what lies ahead,” said Clarksville High head coach Brian Rush. “We began the year with just 3 returning starters, but this team has worked, matured and grew into a champion caliber team. The tournament is packed with great teams and it will take a great effort to not only win, but to compete on this level. However, the girls are up for the challenge.”
Clarksville High is scheduled to face Daniel Boone High on Tuesday. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. as the Wildcats look to continue their postseason run.