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Dexter outlasts Kennett in mistake-filled contest
DEXTER -- In a game where both teams feasted on each other's mistakes, it was fitting that Dexter's eventual game-winning rally against Kennett started with a misplayed ball.
Trailing by a run in the bottom of the sixth inning, an error at third base ignited a five-run Bearcat outburst that helped Dexter escape their own fielding troubles with a 16-12 win.
"It was about as ugly as (Tuesday's loss to Malden), but I liked the outcome a lot better," Dexter head coach Brian Becker said. "That's about all I can say about that because yesterday we stunk it up in the field, we didn't swing it very well and we didn't pitch it very well.
"Today we threw well enough to win, we just didn't play very good defense behind them."
The icing on the Bearcats rough outing was a routine play gone wrong with the game tied 11-11 in the top of the sixth inning. An infield error with one out and a runner on first initially put runners on first and second.
A bad throw back to the pitcher at the end of the play, however, sent the ball to the backstop. With no one retrieving the ball in time the runner at second advanced to third before coming home for the go-ahead run without a play at the plate.
"When the game is on the line you can't be doing stuff like that," Becker said of the play. "We just can't do that."
With only six outs remaining to get its run back, Dexter opened a five-run rally in the bottom of the sixth with a one-out infield error putting the potential-winning run on base.
Colton Haywood was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat before Jason Mattison hit a line drive double to deep left-centerfield that cleared the bases for a 13-12 lead.
The Bearcats loaded the bases soon after before a passed ball brought home two more runners. Jason Jarrell capped the rally with a fielder's choice to drive in a runner from third to make up the 16-12 final.
"They made a mistake there and we gave it back to them," Kennett head coach Aaron New said. "We had one out and got a grounder to third. We bobbled it and they went on to score five from there. When the game is on the line you have to make plays.
"But it's still early. Our kids competed and grinded. We just didn't pitch well and didn't play very good defense."
The Indians out-hit the Bearcats 11-9, but allowed 11 walks compared to Dexter issuing four. Kennett also hit two batters.
Landon Vaughan, Edward Wilson, Dalton Craig, Tom Edgington and Ty'riek Thomas had two hits each for the Indians, including a triple by Vaughan.
Mattison led the Bearcats with a 3 for 3 effort while also drawing two walks to reach in all five plate appearances. He drove in two runs, scored twice and collected a double.
"That's what we expect out of our three-hole," Becker said of Mattison. "A guy that can get on base and drive in runs. He's there for a reason. He's a pretty good ball player."
Becker added of his offense, "We had some really key base hits to get us some runs. They gave us a few too on passed balls, but that's part of the game too. We'll take them when we can get them."
Now at 2-1, Dexter will play a doubleheader Saturday against host Oran and Valle Catholic. Dexter's first game, against the Eagles, will start at 11 a.m. at Oran High School.
Kennett 140 33 0 - 12
Dexter 432 205 x - 16
WP -- Austin Aldridge. LP -- Bud Hilburn. Multiple hitters: (K) Landon Vaughan 2-4, Edward Wilson 2-4, Dalton Craig 2-5, Tom Edgington 2-4, Ty'riek Thomas 2-4; (D) Jason Mattison 3-3. 2B -- (D) Mattison. 3B -- (K) Vaughan.