SHELBY — Caliyah Clapper helped herself Wednesday afternoon.
Madison’s freshman standout pounded out three hits, including a double, scored two runs and knocked in two runs as the Rams rolled to an 8-2 win over Wapakoneta in the Division III regional semifinals at Shelby.
Clapper was just as good in the circle, scattering four hits in the complete-game victory. She struck out nine and walked five.
The Rams (21-6) took a quick 1-0 lead in the first. Izzy Wamsley led off with a single to center, moved up on a Lexi Lewis sacrifice bunt and came around to score on Clapper’s double.
Madison scored three runs on five hits in the third. Campbell Kiser, Addy Farris and Sophie Lowe drove in runs.
The Rams blew it open with three more in the fourth. Clapper, Kiser and Farris knocked in runs.
Kiser was 3-for-3 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. Wamsley, Farris and Lowe each had two hits.
Madison will play Holland Springfield for the regional title and a berth in next week’s Division III state tournament at 5 p.m. Friday in Shelby. Springfield beat Aurora 11-6 in the early regional semifinal game at Shelby on Wednesday.
(Photos by Tom Theodore)
