Ashton Johnson, Cole Manuel lift Clinton over Pearl 4-2 in final tune-up for region play

CLINTON — Clinton is starting to play well headed into region play.

Thanks to one big inning Friday night, the Arrows got past Pearl 4-2 in both teams' last non-division contest before district play begins next week.

Clinton (8-5) is now on a five-game winning streak.

“Two really good players for us came through when we needed with big hits,” said first year Clinton coach Sam Temple. “We’ve been hitting the ball really well as of lately, but we needed a game that was close and to rely on some things to win the game.”

Pearl’s two runs came in the top of the first inning.

Andrew Arrant had a RBI double to right field and Cade Chism drew a bases loaded to give the Pirates a early 2-0 lead.

All four of Clinton’s runs came in the bottom of the third inning.

Ashton Johnson got the Arrows on the board with a RBI double to left center.

With the bases loaded and one out, Cole Manuel hit a two-run double to right center to give the Arrows a 3-2. Grant Holmes scored on a wild pitch to give Clinton the 4-2 lead.

“I just tried to make something happen and get the foot down and get a good hit and got one,” Johnson said. “We’re hitting and pitching well and everyone on the team is doing a good job executing.”

Holmes (3-1) got the win on the mound for Clinton.

“On days like today when the offense is struggling, pitching has to step up and that’s what happened,” Temple said. “This gives us confidence heading into district play.”

Blake Boykin took the loss on the mound for Pearl (6-6).

“Early on we got guys on base and couldn’t get the big hit,” said Pearl coach Brian Jones. “We gave them free bases and then get two big hits, and give them credit (for that).”

Clinton begins Region 4-6A play next week against Murrah, while Pearl faces Warren Central to start Region 6-6A play.