Redskins hang on to beat Sand Creek 10-9

By MICKEY ALVARADO

Sand Creek could “Hear that Train a comin’,” at Clinton on Monday, April 23, with Redskin varsity baseball pitcher Michael Sabourin and the Redskins warming up to some Johnny Cash music for a windy weather outing.

The music did its part in pumping up the Redskins. But after taking a 9-1 lead by the end on the third inning, Clinton had to dig in its heals to pick up a 10-9 victory and remain undefeated in the conference.

Clinton picked up the win in exciting fashion. The Aggies chipping away at the Redskins’ lead beginning in the fourth inning until tying the game 9-9 in the top of the seventh.

In the bottom of the inning Clinton’s Cody Mulready got on board first base with a single and John Mulready pushed him to second base with a bunt before getting thrown out at first. TJ Baker followed with a single that put two men on base and a deep blast to center field by Clinton’s Cullen Zimmerman drove in the game-winning run.

Michael Sabourin pitched five innings for the Redskins and KC Clegg finished out the game on relief. Sabourin gave up four earned runs and walked three while Clegg allowed five earned runs and walked two.

Clinton attended Eaton Rapids Invitational on Saturday, April 21, and had just one day off before dealing with the Aggies.

“KC pitched four innings this weekend and I’m sure his arm was a little tired,” said Clinton coach Steve DeGood. “But he was all we had left and he came through. Boy, that was an exciting one.”

Johnny Mulready went 3-for-4 at the plate with four runs, a walk and RBI while Cody Mulready finished the game 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Baker was perfect at the plate with a 4-for-4 outing that produced two runs on three RBI. Dylan Spurlock had a couple of hits as well for a RBI while Hunter Pizzo was 2-for-4.

Clinton improved to 7-4 overall and 3-0 in the Tri-County Conference with the victory.

At the Eaton Rapids Invitational, Clinton opened with a 3-0 loss against the hosts.

Clegg pitched four innings, allowing three runs on three hits while walking five. Spurlock pitched two innings and gave up one hit.

Clinton had no hits and one error in the contest.

In game two the Redskins lost 6-2 against Bay City John Glen with Spurlock handed the loss. He went six innings and allowed six runs, two earned on seven hits including a home run while walking two and striking out two.

Johnny Mulready, Cody Mulready and Sabourin each had hits for Clinton.

Clinton finished its day with an 11-7 loss against Battle Creek Harper Creek with Cullen Zimmerman as the starting pitcher. He threw 2.2 innings and gave up six runs on six hits while walking five. Pizzo (2.0, 1K, 2 BB, 3R, 2H) and Zac Amstdill (1.1, 1K, 2R, 5H) went in on relief.

Johnny Mulready was 2-for-2 with three runs, two walks and a RBI while Randall Pratt (2 runs) and Cody Mulready (1 run) were each 2-for-3 at the plate.

Clinton hit the road for a 10-0 shutout at Madison on Friday, April 20.

Johnny Mulready earned the pitching after five innings of work and five strikeouts.

The Redskins scored two runs in the first, second and fourth innings for a 6-0 advantage before adding four more runs to secure the victory in the fifth inning.

Baker was 2-for-3 at the plate while Zimmerman was 2-for-4.

Britton Deerfield traveled to Clinton on Wednesday, April 18 and was defeated 7-3 by the Redskins.

Baker earned the win from the hill after allowing two runs on four hits in six innings of work. Sabourin finished the game on the mound and gave up one run on two hits.

Johnny Mulready went 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and RBI. Baker added a pair of hits and a run while Cody Mulready, Sabourin, Clegg and Reid Clark each added a hit.