Luke Yelverton pitched six full innings and only gave up one run for Demopolis in their 8-1 win over Clarke County on Saturday night.

Clarke County pitchers struggled to get the ball across the plate early in the game, and Demopolis was able to capitalize on that as the game wore on. The Bulldogs walked three Tigers in the first inning, but they were able to get out of the inning without giving up a run. In the second inning, though, the Tigers plated one after Michael Brooker was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in Jacob Rodrigues.

Yelverton continued to pitch well through the third inning, including only a three-pitch second. In the bottom half of the third, the Tigers were able to score four runs to increase their lead to 5-0.

Tyler Oates was walked to open the third, then Stephen Stewart singled. Tripp Perry came in to run for Stewart, and Wil Stephens was walked to load the bases. John Anthony Morrison was hit by a pitch to bring Oates across the plate, then Rodrigues singled to bring in both Perry and Stephens. Ryan Schroeder also recorded a RBI in the inning on a double that scored Morrison.

In the bottom of the fourth, Oates led off the inning with a walk. He then stole a base and later scored on a passed ball to give Demopolis a 6-0 lead.

Rodrigues recorded his third hit of the night to lead off the bottom of the fifth inning and later scored on an error by the Bulldogs. Seth Aiken reached third after a Clarke County throwing error on a bunt. He then scored on a deep fly ball from Brooker.

Clarke County plated their only run in the top of the sixth inning on a RBI single by Justin Hoffman that brought Dustin Huggins across the plate.

Perry came in to pitch the seventh inning and struck out two batters while giving up no hits. Yelverton finished the game with six innings pitched, five strikeouts, five hits and one earned run.

DHS head coach James Moody said he feels like his team is headed in the right direction after winning two games Saturday.

“Quality starting pitching always gives you a chance,” he said. “We battled at the plate and put ourselves in position to win the game. We’re heading in a better direction. That was a good, complete ball game.”

Moody said he saw Yelverton grow up on the mound during the game.

“I saw him growing tonight,” he said. “He put us in position to win the game, and our offense kept constant pressure on their defense. If we keep doing what we’re supposed to do, we’re going to be alright.”

With the two wins Saturday, the Tigers improve to 2-2 this season. They will host the Sweet Water Bulldogs on Monday at 4 p.m.