The Clinton All-Stars closed the final curtain on their summer tear in the 2018 Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament Wednesday night, coming away with a 5-0 win in the championship game to take the title.

The All-Stars were dominant over the course of the whole tournament they took down five opponents. The first was White Oak in which the Clinton Colts finished with its first mercy win, 11-1. Then in Game 2, they had a bout with the closest score all tournament outside the championship. Taking on Bessemer City, an opponent they’d see again, they topped their previous runs scored in Game 1 coming out on top 12-6.

Their strong play didn’t let up even a little going into Game 3. Facing off against Bladen County the All-Stars made quick work of another team winning it 10-3. With three wins under their belts one team stood in their way from reaching the championship and that was Bessemer City. While they made it somewhat competitive in their first outing the All-stars were in the zone at that point and breezed by the rematch 11-1.

With that they were in the winner’s side of the bracket and in the driver’s seat for the championship. By being in winners they had to be taken down twice to lose the title, but a Game 6 wasn’t necessary. Having to take on a one-loss team in North Duplin they were the only squad to hold Clinton below double digits.

However, that made little difference for the end result. The All-Stars kept North Duplin completely off the scoreboard to cruise to the championship. Equally impressive as getting a shutout win to claim the title was the fact that they finished unbeaten for the tournament.

Head coach Terry Smith expressed joy for his team.

“It was a good match and North Duplin was a pretty good team. But, our #14, Dawson Smith, had an amazing showing and pitched a complete game. Though, overall I’m just really happy for the kids, they put in the work needed to win the championship and they truly deserve it,” concluded Smith.

Clinton All-Stars’ Dawson Smith pitches during the state tournament. He performed well throughout the tournament and notched a complete game in the championship, leading the Colts to a 5-0 win and the title.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_asc1.jpgClinton All-Stars’ Dawson Smith pitches during the state tournament. He performed well throughout the tournament and notched a complete game in the championship, leading the Colts to a 5-0 win and the title.
Unbeaten Colts cruise to title behind Smith’s complete game

By Michael Hardison

Sports Editor

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