Clutch Clarke Pitches Rock Ridge by Briar Woods

Wednesday night saw sophomore LHP Brandon Clarke picked up the win in relief as Rock Ridge scored two runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat Briar Woods, 6-4. Clarke pitched 4 scoreless innings, highlighted by getting out of a bases loaded jam with no outs in the 8th inning. Clarke finished with 8 strikeouts, he allowed 2 hits and issued 3 walks. Sophomore Sam Davies started for Rock Ridge, lasting 5 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Offensively, Briar Woods was led by junior Nathan Cmelya, who reached base 4 of 5 at bats. Cmelya was 1-for-2, with a triple, RBI and 3 walks. Sophomore Evan Smith (West Virginia) recorded 2 RBI’s in the game.

Senior Kraig Broecker started for Briar Woods and pitched 4 innings, allowing 7 hits, 1 strikeout and 2 runs. Juniors Nick Famiglietti, Ian Smith, and Kyle Lewis all pitched in relief for Briar Woods.

Rock Ridge collected 9 hits in the game and were led by three players with 2 hits each: Jeremy Harbinson, Brandon Clarke and Josh Hand. In Rock Ridge’s 9th inning, Sam Davies led off with a walk. He advanced to third on a single by Josh Hand. Both Davies and Hand scored on a throwing error to give Rock Ridge the 6-4 lead.