Published: May 07, 2008 03:41 pm            

Clarkdale

By Brandon Walker

assistant sports editor



Call it Clarkdale's ring of honor.

Hanging on the outfield wall that encircles Clarkdale's softball field are numerous signs that depict each of Clarkdale's numerous state championships. There are two hanging on the right field wall, one with "2002" and one with "2004" displayed proudly.

Those are there to commemorate Clarkdale's two fastpitch state championships.

Soon, they'll have company.

The Clarkdale Lady Bulldogs completed a masterful, two-game sweep of three-time defending champion Eupora Tuesday afternoon, pounding out 10 hits and riding a complete game gem from starting pitcher Erin Adcock to claim a 4-2 win and the third state championship in school history.

"I told them yesterday at our last practice that somebody was going to do something special tonight," Roberson admitted.

Apparently, the Lady Bulldogs got the memo.

"We've just been blessed so much," Roberson said in the wake of his team's championship. "I just want to give God the glory for everything we've accomplished. I'm so proud of these girls."

Entering the day with a 1-0 series lead after a thrilling 3-2 win Saturday, Clarkdale continued to be aggressive against the more-experienced Lady Eagles.

Clarkdale's 10-hit barrage Tuesday night gave the Lady Bulldogs a two-game total of 21 against EHS senior Chelsea McCafferty.

From the outset, Clarkdale's entire lineup swung the bats well against EHS starter Chelsea McCafferty. And, as usual, Clarkdale starting pitcher Erin Adcock was unflappable in the pitcher's circle.

Adcock never faced serious trouble Tuesday night, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five.

"She's as cool as it gets out there," Roberson stated. "That's how a pitcher should act."

Adcock's brilliance paved the way for Clarkdale's offense, which collected a hit in each inning Tuesday night.

Like they did Saturday, Clarkdale broke out to a fast start in the series clincher, striking for a run in the bottom of the first.

Leadoff hitter Sarah Beckman walked to start the rally and advanced on a bunt by Cayla Coleman, setting the stage for an RBI single off the bat of first baseman Corey Roberson, who finished the day with three hits and a pair of RBIs.

"Those hits wouldn't have mattered if no one was on base," Corey Roberson said. "I'm just thankful for my team and so excited right now."

Staked to a 1-0 lead, Adcock continued to mow through the EHS lineup needed just five pitches to set the Lady Eagles down in the second inning.

In the bottom of the third, Clarkdale began to build on the lead with two more runs. Eighth grader Sarah Harris started the rally, ripping a double to lead off the inning. Beckman followed with a double of her own to drive in Harris and give the Lady Bulldogs a 2-0 cushion. Two batters later, Beckman crossed the plate on another sharp single by Roberson.

Refusing to go quietly, Eupora struck for a pair of runs in the top of the fourth to close the lead to 3-2.

Like they have all postseason, the Lady Bulldogs responded immediately.

And, in a microcosm of the series, the Lady Bulldogs proved to be unstoppable even when they appeared to be stopped. The evidence came in an at-bat by Amber Spann.

Leading off the bottom of the fourth, Spann ripped McCafferty's first pitch into left field for a single. After conferring, the game's umpires determined that the public address system's radio played too long between innings and disallowed Spann's single.

"They got together and decided the music distratced Eupora's pitcher," Roberson said.

It was no problem for Spann, who returned to the batter's box and promptly rattled a double off the wall in left field. She would score on an RBI single by Courtney Castleberry to give Clarkdale a 4-2 lead.

"Our kids play so hard and they all battle," Roberson said. "Our entire lineup came to play tonight, just like they always do."

Leading 4-2, Adcock got through the fifth and sixth innings unscathed, setting the stage for a pressure-packed seventh innings.

If she was feeling any pressure with a state title in sight, Adcock didn't show it.

Adcock retired EHS's Haleigh Henderson on a groundout and struck out Shawnte Morton to put Clarkdale on the brink of a title.

After a single by Lexie Boykin, Eupora had runners on fiirst and second with two outs. When Ally Rico dribbled a grounder between first and second, Coleman pounced on it and fired to Roberson, who stepped on first to clinch Clarkdale's championship.

"I knew (Coleman) would get to it," remarked Adcock. "When Corey caught the ball, it was just overwhelming."

For Clarkdale's veteran coach, it was a moment that won't soon be forgotten.

"I'm just so proud of these girls," Roberson said. "Our goal every year is to be the last team standing and here we are. It feels good."

On a night when Clarkdale denied Eupora of a fourth straight title, Corey Roberson led the way offensively with three singles while Harris singled and double and Castleberry singled twice. Spann doubled and Jessi Clark singled for the 2008 state champions.

"I knew that we were going to do something special here tonight," Roberson said. "And here we are. It's pretty special."

        

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