~Bulldogs fend off late rally, post 6-4 victory over Stuttgart
JONESBORO, Ark. -- The Sikeston Bulldogs baseball team picked up its first win of the season on Thursday with a 6-4 victory over Stuttgart (Ark.) in the Champions Classic at Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, Ark.
The Bulldogs led 6-0 entering the seventh inning before Stuttgart rallied with four runs in its final chance.
"We're happy to get that first win out of the way but I didn't know it would be so tough," said Sikeston head coach Kevin Self.
Sikeston's Blake DeWitt picked up the win, throwing six innings and allowing seven hits and four runs (two earned) with seven strikeouts, one walk and two hit batters.
"Blake threw extremely well and I thought defensively we played well," said Self. "Blake stayed ahead of the hitters and he mixed up his pitches."
He relieved starter Chris Cota, who threw one scoreless inning in the first, allowing two hits with a strikeout. Cota left the game in the top of the second inning when he was struck on his finger by a pitch while trying to bunt. He is doubtful for today's game.
Sikeston scored two runs each in the top of the fourth and fifth innings to take a 4-0 lead. The Bulldogs added what turned out to be the winning two runs in the top of the seventh.
"If we hadn't scored the two in the seventh then we would've been in big trouble because they came out in the seventh and strung together four hits," said Self.
For the second game in a row Sikeston's offense sputtered as they had just six hits. The Bulldogs were led by Jacob Priday, who was 2-4 with two RBIs and a run. DeWitt went 2-4 with two runs.
Others were Adam Garrett (1-4), Jamie Puckett (1-4, 2 runs, stolen base) and Nathan Eaves (RBI).
"It's the early part of the season and we haven't seen much live pitching," said Self. "We just need to get some momentum going and get outside and stay for a while."
Tyler Helms took the loss for Stuttgart.
Sikeston plays Watson Chapel of Little Rock today at 2:30. Watson Chapel lost to host Nettleton 11-2 in the round robin event on Thursday.