By Kyle Parmley
BIRMINGHAM – The Cougars have finally played a game, despite things not looking promising early in the day.
Clay-Chalkville was scheduled to host
Oak Mountain in a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon, but the matchup was initially called off due to poor playing conditions. The teams changed course early in the afternoon, deciding to travel to Oak Mountain for the double dip.
The Cougars and Eagles split the games, with Oak Mountain taking an easy 8-0 victory in game one. Clay-Chalkville rebounded in the finale, getting in the win column by a score of 8-4.
Clay-Chalkville (1-1) did not have many highlights to speak of the initial matchup, as ace pitcher and UAB signee Matthew Calvert took the loss, only going 2 2/3 innings. Jeremy Rhodes recorded the lone hit of the game for the Cougars. Oak Mountain’s Blake Schilleci recorded the win with his shutout performance on the mound.
The second game proved much more fruitful for the Cougars. Oak Mountain scored single runs in each of the first four innings, but Clay-Chalkville came back and pulled away with multiple runs in the third, fourth, and fifth.
“Winning the second game helps,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Bubba Roberts said. “Leaving the park with a win makes you feel better. It was good to get out there and get the rust off, and the guys wanted to step up a little bit in the second game. We had a little more intensity.”
Tyler Duke got the Cougars on the scoreboard for the first time with his two-run knock in the top of the third, tying the game at 2.
Chandler Parker started on the mound for Clay-Chalkville, hurling four innings and getting the win. Only two of the four runs he surrendered were earned. He also helped himself at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Blake Petty came on in relief for his first varsity appearance, earning the save while striking out six in the final three innings.
Jalen Buckner performed well in the second game, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored two runs. Wesley Meier recorded the only extra base hit of the day for the Cougars with his run-scoring double.
Clay-Chalkville is back in action on Thursday night against Gardendale. Due to uncertainty with the weather, there is a possibility of the game being pushed back to Friday.