Published: May 08, 2008 10:21 am            

Adcock

By Brandon Walker

assistant sports editor



Erin Adcock's expression finally changed.

For seven innings Tuesday night, Clarkdale's sophomore standout pitcher went about her business in the pitcher's circle as she often does, with a steel-like resolve and remarkable poise.

Adcock, described as "unflappable" by Clarkdale head coach Rick Roberson, turned in a championship-like performance in the Class 2A finale against Eupora, striking out five and allowing just five hits in seven innings of work.

And then, it happened.

With two outs in the seventh inning, Adcock, whose on-field expression rarely changes, watched Eupora's Ally Rico dribble a slow ground ball to the right side. When second baseman Cayla Coleman snapped the ball up and tossed it to first baseman Corey Roberson for the final out, Adcock finally lost control.

"I threw my glove in the air and just screamed. It felt so good," Adcock said in the wake of her school's third fastpitch state championship and first since 2004. "It was overwhelming."

Overwhelming would also be a great way for opponents to describe Adcock, whose never-wavering intensity proved crucial to Clarkdale's success this season. The sophomore ace pitcher her way to an 18-7 overall record and seven postseason wins despite being faced with mounting playoff pressure.

Then again, pressure has never seemed to bother Adcock.

"If you could write a book about how a pitcher is supposed to act and how she's supposed to carry herself, it would be about Erin Adcock," Roberson said after watching the sophomore earn her second win over Eupora in as many tries. "No matter the situation, she never gets rattled. If she's ever nervous on the inside, it never shows."

For a pitcher whose trademark is her ability to keep her emotions in check, Tuesday night's championship win provided the chance to let go, as evidenced by her postgame celebration.

"It has taken us a long time to get here and it feels so good," Adcock said while enjoying the traditional postgame celebration that included silly string, shaving cream and plenty of hugs. "I just ran over and hugged Corey when she caught the ball. It was awesome."

For Clarkdale's veteran coach, Adcock's championship performance was just par for the course.

"That's the kind of pitcher she is," Roberson said. "She doesn't shake easily. That's what it takes to win games in this type of atmosphere."

Roberson isn't the only area coach with praise for Adcock, as respect for the sophomore hurler extens well beyond the Clarkdale campus.

"She's a fun pitcher to watch, I just hate that we have to face her," remarked Enterprise coach Josh Perkins, whose Lady Bulldogs fell to Clarkdale in the South State Championship. "She's just the kind of kid that you like to watch because she goes about her business the right way."

The victory caps a memorable season for Adcock and the Lady Bulldogs, though there are still memories to be made. Just a sophomore, Adcock still has two more years to help Clarkdale add more hardware to the trophy case.

"This is a great team to be a part of. Hopefully we can get back here to celebrate again," Adcock added.

With a roster chock full of underclassmen, the future looks bright for Clarkdale and for Adcock.

For future opponents, one word might come to mind while dealing with Clarkdale and Adcock.

Overwhelming.

        

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