YSE File Photo
Based on its past three games, Hopkinsville High School has become an offensive juggernaut in high school softball. That momentum continued in a big way Tuesday, as the Tigers defeated Clarksville (TN) Kenwood 15-0 in four innings.
During its current three-game winning streak, Hoptown has scored 13 or more runs in all three contests and outscored its opponents by a combined 43-11. Hopkinsville’s most recent lopsided victory was highlighted by Taylor Joachim’s bases-clearing triple and a no-hitter by starting pitcher Shaniyah Straight, as HHS improved to 7-8 this season.
Joachim was one of four Tigers to record a hit in the win. In the bottom of the second inning, after four straight walks issued by the Knights that gave Hoptown a 10-lead, Joachim uncorked her first triple of the year to clear the bases and make it 13-0.
Abigail Straight also had a strong showing in the victory, going 1-for-1 with three runs and two RBI. She also drew two of the 14 Hopkinsville bases on balls. Jakayla Grubbs had a team-high three walks and scored twice. Eleven different Tigers crossed home plate during the run-shortened win.
In the circle, Shaniyah Straight (7-8) faced one over the minimum. She fanned three Kenwood batters and walked just one in the dominant win. Straight now has 53 K’s in 83 innings tossed in 2023. Bryanna Porter took the loss for the Knights, allowing 14 walks, and 11 earned runs in three innings.
Hoptown (7-8) will try for its fourth consecutive win when it travels across the border Thursday to take on Clarksville Christian. The Tigers then play four straight home games to wrap up their regular season slate, beginning May 8 against Heritage Christian Academy.
