By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

BELL CITY, Mo. – The Lady ‘Cats had to deal with strong winds and a hot-hitting Bernie team during the semifinal game of the SCAA Tournament on Tuesday (April 19) afternoon. An offensive explosion by the Lady Mules in the fifth inning was the proverbial ‘nail in the coffin’ of Dexter’s hopes for a SCAA Title as the Lady ‘Cats were defeated 14-6.

Kendra Stevenson got the start for the Lady ‘Cats, but was replaced by Alec Jackson in the third inning. Jackson pitched the third and fourth innings, striking out two and giving up two hits. Stevenson was reinserted at the end of the fifth inning to get the final out for the Lady Cats.

Jacie McGowan started for the Lady Mules, and went the distance in the win. McGowan allowed only six hits, while striking out six batters and walking five.

The ‘Cats had a 5-3 lead going into the fifth inning, but the Mules’ bats exploded, putting up 10 runs off seven hits. The Lady ‘Cats couldn’t seem to get their bats going late in the game, getting only one hit in the last two innings.

"We have really been mashing the ball the last few games,” Bernie head coach Jeff Rodgers said. “We had 16 hits yesterday and 15 more today against a pretty good pitcher. Jacie really pitched well and Katie Baker had a big day with 6 RBI’s. We have really been getting a lot of clutch hits. If we getting hitting like we are, we've got a good shot at the championship.”

The Lady ‘Cats will move on to play Woodland in the third place game on Thursday (April 21) at 12:00 p.m.

The Mules move on to face Bell City in the championship game, scheduled for Thursday at 2:00 p.m.



Photo Above:
Mollie Whitehead fouls off a pitch during Dexter's 14-6 loss against Bernie in the SCAA Tournament Thursday afternoon.

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – Brad Potts had another excellent start on Monday (April 18) afternoon against the Mules. Despite Potts’ best efforts on the mound – the sophomore gave up only three hits in the contest – the Bearcats fell 1-0. “We played really good baseball, we just didn’t hit the ball very well,” head coach Brian Becker said. “It was a disappointing loss, but at the same time, it was positive for our team b/c we pitched so well and we got good defense. That was pleasing for me as a coach to see that we could play that well, but at the same time, we need to swing our bats a little better.”

Potts had pitched a great game going into the bottom of the seventh – giving up only two hits with three K’s – but gave up a walk-off home run to Logan Faith, the first batter Potts faced in the last half inning.

“Brad Potts threw a heck of a game, and deserved a better fate than what he got. We just didn’t hit the ball very well,” coach Brian Becker said. “There in the bottom of the seventh, Brad threw a good pitch and that kid put a good swing on it and hit it out of the ballpark for the game-winner.

Cody Neldon, and Daniel Fitts both went 1-3 at the plate, and along with Potts’ 1-2 performance, accounted for all of Dexter’s hits in the contest.



JACKSON, Mo. – Owen Flowers took to the mound on Tuesday (April 19) afternoon against the Jackson Indians. Despite throwing a great game against an outstanding Jackson team, the Bearcats fell to the Indians 5-3.

“That’s two games in a row that we had pitchers come out that we had a chance to win,” Becker said. “Owen Flowers stepped up and threw an outstanding game against a very good Jackson ballclub.”

The ‘Cats bats were hot in the contest – racking up 12 hits – but couldn’t seem get hits in clutch situations.

“We hit the ball well all day, but we didn’t hit in crucial RBI situations, and that ended up biting us in the end,” Becker continued.

D.J. Dowdy was 2-3 in the contest with one RBI, and Chase Young had another great day at the plate for the ‘Cats, going 4-4 with an RBI and one run scored.

“Chase Young is starting to put it all together,” Becker said. “Whenever you get your leadoff hitter rolling in your offense, most of the time everything else will come around and start rolling too. We just didn’t hit well in crucial situations, and that ended up getting us in the end.”

The ‘Cats will be in action again on Friday (April 22) at Kelly. “[Kelly has] had their struggles this year, but they’re capable of putting the ball in play and making it tough on us,” Becker added. “They’ve got a decent pitcher over there, and its possible that we’ll face him. We’ve just gotta come and keep playing like we’re playing, and hopefully we’ll get some wins.”

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

BELL CITY, Mo. - The Dexter Lady Bearcats played their best defensive game - giving up no fielding errors - of the season on Monday (April 18) afternoon in the opening round of the SCAA Tournament. The Lady ‘Cats blew out Richland in two and a half innings with a 26-1 final score.


Alec Jackson pitched for the Lady ‘Cats, striking out five and walking four. Jackson technically threw a no-hitter on the day. Richland’s only run in the contest came in the first inning; Jackson walked the first batter she faced, and after two wild pitches, Jones advanced to third. McCormick grounded into a fielder’s choice, and the ‘Cats opted for the out at first instead of risking a play at the plate.


Dexter’s offense exploded in the bottom of the first, scoring 16 runs on 10 hits, including a home run from sophomore Taylor Owens.


The Rebels received a walk from Jackson to start the second inning, but their next two batters struck out. Another walk was given to Myers, followed by a Jones K to end the inning.

Dexter’s offensive surge continued in the bottom of the second - the Lady ‘Cats put up 10 runs on five hits - and Lauren Massingill hit the ‘Cats second home run of the contest.


The Rebels were three up, three down in the top of the third to end the game due to the 15-run rule.


The Lady ‘Cats will move on to face the Bernie Mules on Tuesday (April 19) afternoon in a 12:00 p.m. contest.







BERNIE v. ADVANCE

The Lady Mules defeated Advance in three innings Monday (April 18). Rachel Palmer had a big day at the plate, going 4-4 with five RBI’s. Rachel Vernon went 3-3, and Haley Stockton had three hits, including a home run, for three RBI’s. Alicia Rasmussen had four RBI’s.

"We really hit the ball hard today,” coach Jeff Rodgers said.  “Palmer had a big day and Rasmussen ended the game with [grand slam]. We'll need to hit the ball like that tomorrow in order to have a chance to beat Dexter.  As always, our pitching and defense will have to be there also."

BREAKING NEWS

The Dexter High School softball game at Doniphan and baseball game at Sikeston scheduled for this afternoon, Friday, April 15, have been cancelled due to weather conditions

According to DHS Principal Corey Mouser, Saturday's baseball doubleheader against Cooter and Twin Rivers at Cooter has been postponed until April 23.

No rescheduling has been announced yet for today's games.

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

The Lady ‘Cats brought home a whopping 17-1 win (in three innings) against the Puxico Lady Indians on Thursday (April 14) afternoon.

Senior Alec Jackson took to the mound for the Lady ‘Cats, striking out six batters and giving up one walk during the three-inning contest. Jackson was also 2-2 at the plate with two walks, two stolen bases, three runs scored, and an RBI.

The Lady ‘Cats capitalized on every mistake made by the Puxico battery, scoring eight runs on wild pitches. Freshman Kendra Stevenson also stole home during the third inning. Stevenson finished the day 2-2 with two runs scored and an RBI.

The Lady ‘Cats will take the field next week in the Stoddard County Tournament, held at Bell City High School. Dexter will face Richland at 12:00 p.m. Monday (April 18) afternoon.

Photo above Emily Triplett slides under a tag at home plate during the second inning of Thurday’s 17-1 blowout against Puxico. Triplett finished the contest 1-1 at the plate with 2 walks and 2 runs scored.