Casey Lust's Grand Slam Propels Clay County Past Middlesboro

Clay County Tigers defeat Middlesboro Yellow Jackets 13-6 in high-scoring softball matchup

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:48am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a softball game in motion, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-energy softball action between Clay County and Middlesboro, with a grand slam serving as the focal point.Clay Today

In a back-and-forth game, the Clay County Tigers defeated the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets 13-6 on Monday night. The game was decided in the top of the sixth inning when Clay County junior Casey Lust hit a grand slam to break the game open. The win moves Clay County to 5-1 on the season, while Middlesboro drops to 2-3.

Why it matters

This victory continues Clay County's recent dominance over Middlesboro, as the Tigers have now won the last four matchups between the two teams. The grand slam by Lust was a key turning point that allowed Clay County to pull away late in the game.

The details

After Middlesboro took an early 4-3 lead, Clay County responded with three runs in the bottom of the second inning to regain the advantage. The game remained close until the top of the sixth, when Lust's grand slam gave the Tigers a commanding 13-6 lead that they would hold onto for the win.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Clay County scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning.
  • Middlesboro took a 4-3 lead in the top of the second inning.
  • Clay County regained the lead with three runs in the bottom of the second.
  • Ella Samples hit a home run for Clay County in the bottom of the third inning.
  • Casey Lust hit a grand slam for Clay County in the top of the sixth inning.

The players

Casey Lust

A junior on the Clay County Tigers softball team who hit a game-changing grand slam in the top of the sixth inning.

Alivia Hoskins

The starting pitcher for the Clay County Tigers who had a three-up, three-down inning to begin the game.

Aubrie Womack

A player for the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets who hit a home run in the top of the fourth inning to bring the game back within one run.

Jenna Baker

A player for the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets who was walked and scored a run in the top of the second inning.

Trinity Partin

A player for the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets who hit a double in the top of the second inning, driving in two RBIs.

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What they’re saying

“The bats were hot for Middlesboro, but Clay County's were hotter as the Tigers defeated the Yellow Jackets, 13-6, on Monday night.”

— Makenzie Freeman, Author

What’s next

The two teams will likely face off again later in the season as they compete for the regional championship.

The takeaway

This high-scoring affair showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, with Clay County ultimately prevailing thanks to a timely grand slam by junior Casey Lust. The win extends the Tigers' recent dominance over their regional rivals, the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets.