Softball Recap: Clayton Triumphs

Clayton took a nine-run loss the last time they faced off against Garner, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Clayton Comets had just enough and edged out the Garner Trojans 5-4 on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Comets have posted since April 30, 2024.

Izzy Tart

Batters Struck Out

03/18/25 vs Garner	11
03/11/25 @ Willow Spring	7
03/10/25 @ Heritage	11
03/03/25 @ Rolesville	12
02/27/25 vs East Wake	14
02/25/25 vs Rolesville	7

Izzy Tart spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.

At the plate, Autumn Joyce was incredible, firing off two home runs while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in home runs.

Joyce wasn't the only one working in the home run department: Clayton lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

The victory made it two in a row for Clayton and bumps their season record up to 6-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Garner, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Clayton will welcome South Johnston at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. South Johnston will roll in looking for their seventh straight win, something Clayton surely won't give up without a fight. As for Garner, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Cardinal Gibbons at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Cardinal Gibbons is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.