CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Wednesday, the Clarksville High Wildcats welcomed the Collierville Dragons for a best of three, substate series. While it was a defensive battle to begin the game, the Wildcats offense exploded for 11 runs to mercy rule the Dragons in a shutout victory in the first game of the series.
Clarksville High senior pitcher Christian Henderson started the game on the mound and went on to throw a complete game shutout, comprised of only allowing four hits, 1 walk, while striking out three batters. Throughout the 2023-24 season, the Dragons offense had been productive, but they were silenced on Wednesday.
“Christian set the tone for this game,” said Clarksville High head coach Brian Hetland, “He got us through those first couple innings unscathed, and that’s huge for our team. We made plays behind him and kept it under control.”
The Wildcats scored their first two runs of the game in the third inning, then during the following inning, they scored seven runs in the fourth. Their seven-run inning also came with two outs registered. The CHS offense was led by Collin Windham, who had three hits and four RBIs during the contest. The one word that came to mind for Hetland and his offense tonight, patience.
“We just needed to get on the board,” Hetland told Clarksville Now. “Those two runs in the third (inning) felt like 10 at that point in the game. They didn’t get out of their rhythm or swing big; they just played their game.”
With the win, Clarksville High is just one win away from clinching a state tournament appearance, which would make their third in the last four years. The second game of the series between the two schools is currently scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at 4:40 p.m.
If necessary, the third game of the series will also be played if Collierville were to win game two. With so much at stake, Hetland knows the jobs not finished.
“We have to get after it tomorrow,” Hetland said. “We have them down right now, but we know they’re a great team. Clarksville, get off work and come support these kids.”