Cooper Lewis put together a dominant performance at the plate and on the mound Tuesday, helping North Clay/Clay City cruise past Ramsey, 12-0.
Lewis drove in all six of his runs during a remarkable two-inning stretch. He opened the game with a two-run home run to center field before adding a two-run double in the first inning. Lewis capped his offensive performance with a two-run triple in the second.
North Clay/Clay City erupted for nine runs in the first inning to take control early. Along with Lewis’ home run and double, Collin Schnepper and Colton Cartright each drove in runs, while Will Ballard drew a bases-loaded walk. Brodie Adair added a two-run double to help the Cardinals build a commanding lead.
The Cardinals added three more runs in the second inning. Cartright delivered an RBI single before Lewis tripled to drive in two more runs.
Talon Hemphill earned the victory on the mound, allowing just one hit over three scoreless innings while striking out nine and walking one. Lewis followed with two scoreless innings of relief, allowing no hits while striking out five.
Adair and Cartright each collected multiple hits for the Cardinals, who also showed patience at the plate by drawing seven walks. Ballard and Lane Ruholl led the way with two walks apiece.
North Clay/Clay City also put pressure on Ramsey on the basepaths, stealing five bases. Ballard accounted for two of those stolen bases.
The Cardinals’ combination of timely hitting, strong pitching and aggressive baserunning helped them secure the shutout victory.
