Ups and downs

All-Stars win first game against Ottowa, keep tourney hopes alive

sports@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- Staving off elimination in the loser's bracket of the 12-and-under Cal Ripken Midwest Plains Regional Tournament, the Sikeston All-Stars took an early lead against Ottawa, Kan. before holding on for a 7-3 win.

"I thought we played better," Sikeston assistant coach Brian Self said. "In both state and at this level we continue to have a few innings where just some mental mistakes in the field give up a few outs.

"But today was a lot better. Our bats are coming alive and that's what we want."

After starting pitcher Ben Ray sent Ottawa down in order to start the first, the All-Stars took their first lead of the game on a two-run home run from clean-up hitter Jarred Sandlin.

Ottawa came back to tie with a rally in the top of the second, but another fielder's choices from Will Pratt and Joe Baker in the bottom of the frame put Sikeston on top for good.

Both teams plated a run in the third before a double to left field by Sandlin in the fourth drove home another two runners to make up the 7-3 final.

In hitting Ottawa 6-4, Sandlin led the way with a with a 2 for 3 performance that included a home run, double and four runs batted in. After the game he was selected as Sikeston's most valuable player in the contest. Ray was 2 for 3 at the plate with a pair of singles while Noah Brown added a double and walk to the All-Stars' cause.

Sikeston's other hit came from Nate Self, who singled in the fifth and drew a pair of walks.

With Sikeston splitting the game between a pair of pitcher, Ray picks up the win. He went three full innings allowing three runs on four hits while striking out three. In taking over to start fourth Brown earned a save. He pitched three no-hit, scoreless innings while hitting a pair of batters.

"I thought both our pitchers did exceptional," Self said. "They're hitting their locations and they kept their wits about them. Head coach Matt Gilmer was calling a good game.

"He's excellent at understanding how to attack and I thought both our pitchers listened and did a great job."

Mineral Area 12, Scott County 4

SIKESTON -- Watching an early lead slip away during a wild sixth inning, Scott County saw their season come to a close with a 12-4 loss to Mineral Area in the loser's bracket of the 12-and-under Cal Ripken Midwest Plains Regional Tournament.

Playing as the home team, Scott County was able to jump on top with four runs in the top of the first inning to take a 4-1 lead.

One more run by Mineral Area in the fourth frames cut Scott County's lead to two where it would stay as the two teams entered the sixth and final frame.

Though they had controlled the game up to that point, Scott County saw back-to-back errors start the top of the sixth as Mineral Area launched a massive 10-run rally.

Starting with their leadoff hitter, the first five batters to step to the plate in the frame went to cross the plate and by the end of the frame Mineral Area had built a dominant 12-4 advantage.

Down to their final three outs in the bottom of the frame, Scott County was retired in order on ground outs to end the game.

Leading Scott County's attack as Grant Wilson with a 3 for 3 effort at the plate while Bryce Dirnberger added a double to his team's cause.