Clearwater home run takes away Rebels win

By MATT KING
Daily Journal Sports Writer

PIEDMONT, Mo. — Infielder Jake Hime blasted a game-winning, three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday, lifting host Clearwater past Central 7-6 in the regular season finale for both teams.

Central (8-15) immediately surged ahead in the first inning on a three-run homer by Andrew DeClue, who finished 2-for-3 with a double, and did not trail until the final pitch of the contest.

T.C. Jennings connected for a two-run shot in the third, and had a strong 3-for-4 effort at the plate, while Rick Militzer and Luke Baker each added two singles for the Rebels.

Starting pitcher Stevan Rodgers singled in the game, and worked four innings with four strikeouts in a no-decision, while Dominic Petty suffered the loss in relief. Bryce MacBride was 1-for-1 but left the action to receive stitches after colliding with the outfield fence.

Central, which had a four-game winning streak snapped, will open Class 3, District 2 play at Wilson-Rozier Park tonight with a 7:30 p.m. battle against conference rival Ste. Genevieve.