By Kyle Parmley
BIRMINGHAM – Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley took huge leaps toward playoff berths with masterful pitching performances Tuesday afternoon.
In a must-sweep series for the Cougars, they dispatched Huffman 12-1 in a five-inning contest. The game was played at the oldest ballpark in America, Rickwood Field.
Viking hitters had no chance against Matthew Calvert. The UAB signee threw a no-hitter and struck out 10 in the process, despite allowing a run. Calvert also contributed with the bat, as he had a pair of hits, one being a double, and drove in two runs.
Clay-Chalkville senior pitcher Matthew Calvert
file photo by Ron Burkett
Andrew Blount was the offensive star as Clay-Chalkville scored half its runs in the final inning to secure the run-rule victory. Blount put together a pair of hits and led the team with three runs batted in.
Wesley Meier led the team with three base hits and racked up two RBIs. Justin Lovell knocked in a pair of runs on two hits. Jeremy Rhodes reached base twice via hit, and was credited with an RBI. Michael Kilgore drove in a run, and Dayne Edwards tacked on two more hits.
The Cougars must beat Huffman on Thursday to maintain their hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Pinson Valley also received a dominant pitching performance from its ace in its 6-2 win over Shades Valley. Brett Jordan, who has signed with Alabama Southern, started the game and did not leave the mound until his work was complete. Jordan pitched all seven innings, allowing two hits and two runs with four walks and 11 strikeouts.
The Indians held a comfortable 4-0 lead until the Mounties made things interesting by cutting the lead in half in the sixth inning. Pinson Valley scored two runs in the next half inning to end all hopes of a comeback.
Hunter Davidson and Blake Sisson each racked up two RBIs on a pair of hits. Jacob Brown drove in a run, going for 1-for-3 at the plate. Destin Davidson was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Pinson Valley can clinch a playoff berth with a series win over Shades Valley or a Clay-Chalkville loss Thursday. If there is a three-way tie, a playoff will be held Saturday to break the tie.
