Lexington had lost seven straight on the road, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 2-14 to make it eight. They took a 17-12 hit to the loss column at the hands of the North Rowan Cavaliers. The Yellowjackets were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Cavaliers earlier this season, when they won 16-2.
Dale Clodfelter was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 1.1 stolen bases per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Clavin Everrtte, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
As for North Rowan, their win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 4-11. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
On North Rowan's side, Chase Cauble and Caleb Everett were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Cauble struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and seven unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Everett tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the most strikeouts Cauble has posted since back in March. At bat, Cauble got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs, while Everett went 1-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. North Rowan is 4-1 when Cauble posts two or more runs, but 0-10 otherwise.
In other batting news, Zane Smith was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for North Rowan: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 1-10 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Dylan Garrigus, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Looking ahead, Lexington will take on Thomasville at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Bulldogs have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 6.65 runs per game on average), something the Yellowjackets will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for North Rowan, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Salisbury at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
