THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Night Hawks clinched a sweep in the SSAC Series of the week against the Point Skyhawks after a thrilling 1-0 victory over Point in an extra inning pitchers duel in game one and a clutch 2-1 win in game two at Armory Field on Saturday.
Game 1: Thomas 1, Point 0 (9 Innings)
Baileigh Herrera delivered a nine inning complete-game shutout. She limited Point to just four hits while striking out seven, keeping the Night Hawks in the hunt throughout.
The game was a defensive standoff, with neither team giving an inch through eight scoreless innings. But in the ninth, the Night Hawks finally broke through.
Ashlyn Powell ignited the rally with a single to second base.
Cameron Clontz patiently worked a walk, pushing Powell to second. With two outs,
Paisley Wallace's single loaded the bases, setting the stage for
Grace Hodges. Hodges came through in the clutch with a decisive RBI single to shortstop, bringing Powell home for the game-winning run.
The Night Hawks held firm in the top of the ninth, sealing their shutout victory. Herrera's brilliant outing featured 104 pitches, 74 of them strikes, with a WHIP of 0.67.
Hodges led the offense with three hits and an RBI, bolstering her impressive 1.200 OPS, while Clontz contributed with a hit and a walk, pushing her OPS to .833.
Game 2: Thomas 2, Point 1
In their second game on the same day, the Night Hawks edged out Point (6-12, 0-4) with a 2-1 victory. Clontz was a force on both sides, pitching a complete game while allowing just two hits to notch the win. The triumph was marked by crucial plays in the second and third innings. In the second,
Alexis Adams singled through the right side and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Clontz. Powell then came through with an RBI single up the middle, sending Adams home for the first run. Thomas extended the lead in the third. Wallace walked, stole second, and a throwing error by the pitcher brought the leftfielder home for an unearned run, pushing the lead to 2-0.
Point responded in the top seventh with two outs when a tough fly ball dropped in right center of the outfield cause a collision. The hit allowed a runner to score but the batter was caught out stretching to home plate when a throw Hodges made it to Nunez who was able to get it to
Emily Morrow for a play at the plate.
The game wrapped up with Thomas on top 2-1. Clontz delivered a standout performance, pitching a complete game and allowing only 2 hits making it through six complete without a hit for her first win in the circle of the season. Clontz recorded 3 strikeouts, walked 2 batters, and gave up just 1 earned run. With a WHIP of 0.57 and 44 strikes out of 70 pitches, Clontz kept a firm grip on the game, ensuring the win for the Night Hawks. Adams made her mark offensively and defensively, logging one hit and scoring a run. Powell drove in a run with her single and laid down a successful sacrifice hit. Wallace reached base with a walk, scored a run, and swiped a base.
Up next, the Night Hawks will take on William Carey University (Miss.) in a doubleheader on Friday, March 20, at 4 p.m. CT at Joseph & Nancy Fail Field in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
