West Bladen Shuts Out Clinton 7-0 in Statement Conference Win

Brady Durden of West Bladen.

Bladenboro, NC - After falling just short in a 4-3 heartbreaker earlier in the week, West Bladen’s baseball team flipped the script Friday night, blanking the Clinton Dark Horses 7-0 in a dominant Southeastern Athletic Conference (SAC 6) performance.

The Knights, now 8-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play, looked sharp in every phase of the game — especially on the mound, where senior right-hander Brady Durden delivered a gem.

Durden went the distance, scattering just four hits over seven shutout innings. He didn’t allow a single walk and struck out six, keeping Clinton’s lineup off balance all night.

Durden’s performance was backed by timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. Leadoff man Garrett Dunham set the tone early, reaching base three times and scoring once. His patience at the plate paid off, drawing two walks and adding a hit to keep the offense moving.

Tyler Lewis brought some clutch production to the middle of the order. He knocked in two runs and crossed the plate once himself, helping the Knights stretch their lead with steady pressure.

JT Hepler had a big night as well, racking up two hits, scoring twice, and driving in a run. His ability to find gaps in the defense kept the momentum on West Bladen’s side.

Hunter Hester also came through with a pair of hits and scored twice, showing hustle and sharp instincts on the basepaths. Allister Russ chipped in with a solid performance of his own — two hits, two RBIs, and a run scored, making him one of the night's key contributors.

Ashton Davis added a hit, while Aiden Russ brought a run home with an RBI. Cade Allen displayed his plate discipline by drawing a walk, helping the Knights extend innings and wear down Clinton’s pitching staff.

The win sets up a high-stakes showdown this coming Tuesday when West Bladen hosts Midway. Both teams are 3-1 in SAC 6 play, and the winner will take sole possession of first place in the conference standings.

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West Bladen Shuts Out Clinton 7-0 in Statement Conference Win