Miller strikes out 11 in win over Kelly

DEXTER -- Dexter's Josh Miller took 11 Kelly batters down via strikeout on Tuesday, leading the Bearcats to a 9-4 victory.

The sophomore was put into a tough situation in the second inning. Trailing 2-0 with the bases loaded, Dexter replaced starter Mack Taylor with Miller.

Miller managed to put out the fire, striking out the side. Along with his 11 Ks in the game, he allowed no earned runs, three hits and issued just one walk.

"(Miller) came in and did a heck of a job," said Dexter head coach Brian Becker. "He changed the whole complexion of the game. We got off to a rocky start, but he came in and shut the door. I'm looking for him to help us out a bunch this year. He's got a lot of tools."

While Miller dominated on the mound, Willie Dooley dominated at the plate. The junior finished the day 3-for-3 with three triples and two runs scored.

"Willie stayed back on the ball real well today," said Becker. "He drove the ball to right-center field and got three triples out of it."

Kelly held a 4-3 lead in the third inning, but Dexter ended the game with six unanswered runs. In the sixth inning, No. 9 hitter Jeff Samoska went yard for the first time in his career with a solo shot.

Kermit Thomley was 2-for-4 with two runs, Cody Boyer was 2-for-3 with a run and Eric Bowling was 2-for-4 with a double. Jeff Mouser and Josh Miller also had hits.

"It was a big win for us," said Becker. "I was happy with the way the kids came out swinging the bats today."

For Kelly, Barry Zeigler was 3-for-4 and Major Burger was 2-for-4. Tyler Schlosser and Dustin Deshaney also had hits. Jason Kell was charged with the loss.

Dexter (1-1) will host Notre Dame today at 4 p.m. while Kelly (1-2) hosts Poplar Bluff.