Sikeston wins first ever regional softball game

SIKESTON -- For the first time in Midwest Plains Regional history, the 14-and-under Sikeston Lady Bulldogs won a game.

They did so in impressive fashion with a 12-1 win in four innings over the Buhler, Colo. Bruisers on Thursday night at the Sikeston Sports Complex during the 2010 Babe Ruth Midwest Plains Regional Tournament.

"I'm just so proud of all the girls," Lady Bulldogs manager Rick Tidwell said. "They all played great, every single one of them."

The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a hot start in the top of the second inning pushing eight runs across to make it 9-0 after scoring one run in the top of the first.

Sikeston took advantage of three straight walks during the inning with three consecutive RBI hits from Ricci Tidwell, Madison Chaney and Bayleah James to make it 5-0. Trenice Greer walked with the bases loaded to make it 6-0 and even though Leandra Ramey and Sydney King each made an out they managed to push two more across to make it 8-0. Tiffany Gilman hit a fielder's choice to make it 9-0 to end Sikeston's barrage of runs scored.

"I think that demoralized them a bit," Tidwell said about his team's second inning runs. "Everybody went up to the plate and did their job."

Once holding a commanding lead, Paige Sailors did her job on the mound and kept the Bruisers off the scoreboard.

In three out of the four innings played, Sailors was faced with runners in scoring position, twice with the bases loaded. It wasn't until the bottom of the fourth, the last half inning of the night, that the Bruisers pushed their lone run across. Other than that, Sailors used her stout defense behind her as well as coming up with the pitch she needed to get out of the jam.

"She pitched very well," said Tidwell. "Even when she was in trouble. She trusted her defense behind her and made great pitches when she needed to."

Ricci Tidwell led the Lady Bulldogs with two hits, both singles, and was awarded the game's Most Valuable Player after all was said and done.

Sikeston continued tournament play today as results will be in the Sunday edition of the Standard Democrat.