Clinton and Northwest Rankin are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. Clinton will head out on the road to face off against Northwest Rankin at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Clinton took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They blew past Starkville 19-1. The Arrows have beaten the Yellowjackets the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Yellowjackets has come to flipping the script.
| 03/20/25 vs Starkville | 4 |
| 02/11/25 vs Florence | 3 |
| 03/06/25 vs Pearl | 2 |
| 03/18/25 @ Germantown | 1 |
| 03/13/25 @ West Lauderdale | 1 |
Clinton got a massive performance out of Makenzie Cooley, who scored four runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Those four runs gave Cooley a new career-high. Cailyn Willis was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, one triple, and one run.
Clinton hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Northwest Rankin got themselves on the board against Pearl on Friday, but Pearl never followed suit. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over the Pirates. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Bella Pierce looked comfortable as she struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Payton Hayes was incredible, scoring a run while going 3-for-3. That run marked the first that she scored this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Carlee Tubbs, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one triple.
Clinton now has a winning record of 8-7. As for Northwest Rankin, their record now sits at 11-2.
Saturday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Clinton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .358. However, it's not like Northwest Rankin struggles in that department as they've averaged .345. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
