HMS Jackets Dominate Before Lightning Halts Play

(Photo by Carissa Daniels) Caden McClure deals from the bump for the Yellow Jackets.

The Hayesville Middle School (HMS) baseball team was on track to extend their undefeated season to 8-0 on Wednesday, April 23, leading 11-0 over the Robbinsville Black Knights when lightning and rain forced a suspension in the top of the fourth inning. Despite light rain throughout much of the game, heavier showers following distant lightning rendered the field unplayable, pausing the Jackets' commanding performance.

Caden McClure delivered a stellar start on the mound, tossing three hitless innings with three strikeouts and one walk. The Jacket defense was flawless behind him, recording six putouts in six chances. Offensively, HMS erupted early, plating six runs in the first inning. McClure and Brady Gerdes ignited the rally with back-to-back hits, followed by Matthew Peck’s sacrifice fly to score McClure. An error allowed Jack Bethel to reach, and Rhett Sellers’ single drove in Gerdes. Camden Taylor’s double cleared the bases, scoring Bethel and Sellers, while Henry Wadsworth’s hit brought in Hunter Hill, pinch-running for Taylor. Tucker Moore and McClure added singles to cap the inning at 6-0.

The Jackets kept the pressure on, adding three runs in the second and two in the third to build an 11-0 lead. HMS racked up 13 hits over three innings, with Taylor leading the way with three hits, while Sellers, McClure, and Gerdes each had multiple hits. The team also showcased their speed, stealing five bases, including two each from Gerdes and Peck.

The game will resume Friday, April 25 in the top of the fourth inning when the Jackets travel to Robbinsville for their next scheduled game, aiming to close out the victory and keep their perfect record intact.