Sikeston rallies into finals

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston Bulldogs, down to their last strike, scored two runs on Austin Williams' single in the seventh inning to stun Dexter 6-5 in a SEMO Conference Tournament semifinal game at Cape Central Saturday afternoon.

The win moves Sikeston (14-5) into the tonight's championship game at 7:30 against Jackson, 11-10 winners over Cape Central in the other semifinal game. The game will be played at Capaha Park.

Dexter looked to have the game in hand in the seventh inning with closer Eric Windham on the mound. Windham retired the first batter and then induced Josh Jackson to hit a slow ground ball to Stevens at third base. A hustling Jackson was called safe at first on a close play, upsetting the Dexter coaches and fans.

However, Windham retired the next batter before Dustin Barker drew a walk. Tyler Dame was then hit by a pitch, setting up Williams' bloop single to centerfield to score the tying and go-ahead runs.

Dexter took a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth when David Hessling laid down a perfect bunt on a suicide squeeze.

Jerod Scott pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, who have played for the SEMO Conference Tournament championship every year since its inception in 2001, winning it three times. Last year Sikeston dropped the championship game 8-4 to Cape Central.

Dexter (13-4) will play in the third place game against Cape Central today at 5:30 p.m. at Capaha Park

No. 7 Kelly, which had a bye into the consolation semifinals, knocked off No. 5 Chaffee 13-9.

The Hawks took advantage of Chaffee's seven errors and 14 walks to get by the Red Devils. Chris Hanback and Josh Steger had three hits apiece for Chaffee (12-8) in the loss.

Craig Ervin picked up the win for the Hawks (10-7) who will play Kennett at 3:30 this afternoon at Capaha Park.

Adam Uhrhan threw an eight-inning complete game in Chaffee's 4-3 win over New Madrid County Central in consolation play earlier Saturday. Uhrhan walked six, struck out six and allowed two earned runs.

Some information provided by the SEMO News Service.