Clinton started fast and didn't look back in a 12-2 Central Illinois Conference win over Meridian on Monday from Macon.

Colton Walker singled to start the game, then stole second, advanced on a passed ball, and scored on a wild pitch before Josh Bass doubled. 

Ryan Pine and Mitchell Cornwell drew back-to-back walks before Jaeden Bell doubled, driving in Pine and Cornwell. Jon Smock was hit by a pitch, and Jaxon Reynolds capped off the inning with a double, driving in both Bell and Smock to put Clinton up 5-0 early. 

In the top of the sixth inning, the Maroons added three more runs. Pine doubled, and Cole Fentress followed with a walk. Cornwell singled, advancing Fentress to third. A wild pitch allowed Fentress to score. Later in the inning, Smock singled, scoring Cornwell. And another wild pitch allowed Fentress to score.

Fentress earned the win on the mound, pitching four scoreless innings with six strikeouts. Bell fired two scoreless innings of relief with four strikeouts.

Walker was 4-for-4 with three stolen bases. Cornwell went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a stolen base. Pine stole three bases and had two hits. Jaxon Reynolds and Bell drove in two pieces. Bass continued his hot hitting, finishing 1-for-3 with an RBI and a stolen base. Smock was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Fentress scored two runs and had a stolen base.

The Maroons improve to 9-10 overall and 4-3 in the Central Illinois Conference. They will host Tuscola on Wednesday. Hear the action on WHOW and all its digital platforms.