East Prairie, Missouri -  The cold winter weather has limited the Bearcat Baseball program from getting a lot of outdoor action so far this 2013 High School season.  With their season opener against Doniphan postponed due to weather on March 18th, the 'Cat's were able to get this fourth schedule game in this week and even their record to 2 and 2 with a win over the East Prairie Eagles by a score of 17-0. 

With Monday's contest against West Plains cancelled in Dexter due to weather, neither school was able to find an open date allowing them to reschedule the game.  Quick action by the coaching staff arranged Wednesday's opportunity to pick up the extra game with East Prairie. 

"With the way the weather has been this spring, it was just good to get the kids out on the field to face live pitching and throwing against hitters in a competitive situation," commented Head Coach Brian Becker.

The game got a slow start with three up and three down in the first inning.  A lead off walk and two stolen bases by Bearcat's Brad Potts gave the 'Cats their first opportunity to score in the top of the second.  Potts was driven in for the run by a sharp hit fielders choice by Colten Averett. 

The Bearcats were able to post two runs in both the third and fourth innings as they took advantage of walks.  Leading off in the third, Logan "Perry" Northern was hit by a pitch and a walk was issued to Jason Mattison in the third. 

"We took advantage of some walks and some timely hits," commented Coach Pixley.   


"Typically if you score 17 runs you have a few more hits than nine," noted Coach Pixley.  "At the same time we were doing a pretty decent job at the plate not swinging at bad pitches and taking our walks so that is kinda how it blew up.   We had some timely hits."

Miller, Dowdy, and Aldridge all added base hit singles in the sixth inning while Brad Potts continued his smooth swing adding another double.  The Bearcats were able to finalize the game scoring 8 runs in the 6th making the final score 17 to 0 in favor of Dexter.

The Bearcat win on Wednesday moved their record to 2 and 2 for the 2013 season.  With the season opener against Doniphan rescheduled for April 17th, the 'Cats have only been able to play three other games thus far.

The 'Cats suffered a loss against the Malden Greenwaves in the previous week by a score of 6 - 2.  Dexter traveled to Oran last weekend to take on Oran and St. Genevieve Valle.   The Bearcats took Oran into extra innings but lost the game 3 to 2. 

The Bearcats did get their first win in Oran as they battled it out with St. Genevieve Valle.   The Warrior are known to have a very good baseball program having represented District 4 Class 2 A in the MSHSAA State playoffs the past several years.  The Bearcats were able to defeat the Warriors 1 to 0. 

"We are playing a lot of young guys," noted Pixley.  "Prior to our first game, we had only been on our field once.   It's just taking us a little longer to get our bats going."

"We hit a little better against East Prairie," noted Coach Pixley.  "We just need to get outside and practice."

The Bearcats Head Coach Brian Becker knows his program as he enters his 23rd year coaching at Dexter.  Coach Becker spent nine years as an assistant to long time baseball coach A. J. Nugent before taking over as head coach in 2000.   Coach Becker has been assisted by Coach Aaron Pixley all 13-years.  This season, the coaches have gained some extra help with the addition of Coach Wade Boyer and Coach Drew Pixley.

If you get a chance to catch the Bearcats at a home game, be sure to come out and support their efforts this season.  Both the varsity and junior varisty will be playing Thursday, April 4th at home against Scott City.  Game time is 4:00 p.m.