Shana Yates stellar performance leads Hawks to victory

September 13, 2021 at 9:18 pm Madi Ingram

CLARKSVILLE, Mo.– The Clopton Lady Hawks defeated the North Shelby Lady Raiders 3-2 on Monday night. The non-conference matchup was a nail-biter throughout all seven innings of play.

North Shelby jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Clopton had an error at first base, followed by a well-placed fly that dropped in no-mans-land that lead to two quick runs for North Shelby. Junior pitcher, Shana Yates closed the door on the Lady Raiders threat to tack on more runs with a strikeout.

The Lady Hawks responded immediately in the bottom of the second inning, picking up one run to cut the deficit in half.

In the top of the third inning, Yates snagged a fly ball for out number one, and then followed with two more strikeouts. The one-two-three top of the third was a huge shift in momentum for Clopton.

With one out in the home half of the third, the Hawks capitalized with runners in scoring position. The Lady Hawks had runners on first and second base with only one out. Jeaneya Bazan hit a base clearing double, giving the Hawks a one-run lead.

In the seventh inning, the Lady Raiders were in a position to score following a walk and a single. With runners on first and second, Rileigh Kuntz saved the game for the Lady Hawks. A bloop pop fly to the third-base side allowed Kuntz just enough time to fire the ball across the diamond for the double play, closing out the game.

Yates was exceptional in the circle recording 14 strikeouts on the night, allowing only two walks.

Clopton is back in action Tuesday night at home against EMO Conference opponent, North Callaway. First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. Find coverage of area high school sports by staying tuned to 102.1FM, listening to Eagle 102 through the KJFM Radio app, online at kjfmradio.com, or on Alexa.

In the featured image, Clopton’s Shana Yates winds up to deliver a pitch. Yates had fourteen strikeouts in the non-conference win. Above, Skylar Parker crosses home plate in the second inning, giving the Lady Hawks their first run of the ball game. The above photo was taken by Tim Jackson.