South Lenoir Uses Six-Run Sixth to Beat Clinton 11-2

South Lenoir leaned on timely hitting and steady pitching to pull away late in an 11-2 win over Clinton on Tuesday in East Central 3A/4A play.

The Blue Devils improved to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in conference, staying in the middle of a tight early-season race.

South Lenoir led 2-0 through three innings before breaking the game open in the sixth. Carley Boone doubled in a run, Mariah Allisom followed with a two-run single, and a Clinton error allowed three more runs to score in the inning.

Jade Sasnett gave South Lenoir the lead in the first with a sacrifice fly, and Lily Cole added an RBI single in the third.

Boone finished 2-for-3, while Cloey Cole and Allisom each drove in two runs as the Blue Devils totaled seven hits.

South Lenoir’s approach at the plate reflected a season trend. Entering the game, the Blue Devils were hitting over .300 as a team, led by M. Herring (.462), R. Wade (.385), and Boone (.333). That production showed again Tuesday, along with continued plate discipline as South Lenoir drew 10 walks.

In the circle, Sasnett earned the win, throwing 4.2 innings of no-hit ball with nine strikeouts and no walks. She improved to 4-0 on the season, continuing to anchor a pitching staff that entered the night with a 3.78 team ERA.

K. Swinson worked in relief as South Lenoir finished with 12 strikeouts and allowed just four hits and one earned run.

The win continues a dominant trend in the matchup, as South Lenoir is now 5-0 all-time against Clinton in games tracked by MaxPreps.

South Lenoir returns to action Wednesday against Richlands.