By Michael Lindsay
After more than a day’s worth of rain delays, the Gordonsville Tigers clinched a berth in the District 7-1A championship game and Region 4-1A semifinals Saturday at Crump Paris Park as a 12-strikeout effort from starting pitcher Colton Bennett led the Tigers to an 11-o run-rule win over Clay County.
The junior lefty gave up no hits and walked 2 batters in the 5-inning win while going 1-3 with an RBI at the plate. J Foster led the Tigers offensively as he went 2-2 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.
Gordonsville wasted no time taking control as the Tigers scored 9 runs in the bottom of the first inning including three before the first out was recorded. A Bulldog error allowed Foster to score before three consecutive bases-loaded walks scored three more runs. A Dalton Hancock single drove in two more followed by a Maddux Randolph grounder to score one. Singles from Tucker Smith and Brody Sykes drove in a run each to give Gordonsville a 9-0 lead after one inning.
The Tigers tacked on a run in the second and third innings while shutting Clay County out to win by an 11-o final score in 5 innings.
Clay County will face Pickett County in an elimination game on Sunday at 4 p.m. with the winner of that game facing Gordonsville in the championship game immediately after.
