Tough-luck Rams beat Bluejays

~CHARLESTON

One inning has bothered Scott City's baseball team all season, but that wasn't the case in Tuesday's 8-4 win over Charleston.

The Rams have played arguably the toughest schedule in southeast Missouri, and have held their own. But in almost all of their eight losses this year, just one bad inning has held them back.

After jumping out to a 5-0 lead, it appeared as if Scott City's one-inning curse was about to continue as Charleston loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the second. But this time Lady Luck smiled upon the tough-luck Rams for a change as Scott City got out of the inning unscathed with a 1-2-3 double play and went on to win the game.

"That one inning has hurt us all year," said Scott City head coach Mike Umfleet. "I think we get better with each game. We're still a little away from where we need to be, but if we keep getting better, maybe we can get hot around district time. With the kids I've got, I think we can beat anybody on any day. It just depends on how we come out and play. I'm pretty sure that teams aren't looking forward to playing us in districts."

Jason Umfleet got the win, pitching all seven innings for Scott City. He allowed three hits and nine walks with seven strikeouts.

At the plate, Jamie Hodges was 3-for-4. Ben Sample, Jacob Ressell, and Marcus Klund were all 2-for-4.

"That is probably one of the better hitting teams we've seen this year," said Charleston coach Brent Anderson. "They are very aggressive and do some good things. Coach Umfleet is one of the better coaches in the area obviously. Their record is no indication of what kind of ballclub they are."

Scott City collected the nine hits off Charleston ace Lezcano Dean. In the game, Dean gave up four walks and took 12 batters down via strikeout.

"Lezcano has kind of struggled with his location in his last two outings," said Anderson. "It was evident in the first couple of innings today, but he settled down. We just didn't execute offensively."

Charleston cut the lead to one run in the fourth inning, but a couple of key mistakes cost them. Bobby Morgan had two hits and Paul Brown had one.

Scott City (5-8) be back in action this weekend in the SEMO Conference tournament. Charleston (7-8) will travel to Scott Central today at 4 p.m.

Kelly 16, East Prairie 1

EAST PRAIRIE - The Kelly Hawks baseball team improved to 7-7 on the season with a 16-1 romp over East Prairie on Tuesday.

Leading 8-1, Kelly scored eight runs in the top of the fifth inning to enforce the 10-run rule.

"We jumped on them early and that's the first time we've done that this year," said Kelly head coach Mike Scott. "Our offense has been inconsistent with everybody not hitting on the same day. Hopefully this will jumpstart us on offense."

Kelly had 13 hits led by Jon Heuring's three hits and five RBIs. Justin Simpher went 3-4 with two RBIs.

Garrett Stricker got the win for the Hawks, throwing three innings and allowing one unearned run off two hits with four strikeouts.

Tim Schmitt struck out one and allowed one hit in one inning. Tyler Schlosser allowed one hit in an inning pitched.

"Stricker threw well for us and he's been doing that this year," said Scott. "He's been a nice complement for Simpher. His ERA should be under 2.00 now and his personal record is now 3-1."

Other hitters for the Hawks were Schmitt (2-3), Drew Moore (1-2, 2 RBIs), Schlosser (1-4, 2B, RBI), Barry Ziegler (1-2, 2B), Brooks Heuring (1-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Chase Deason (1-3).

Kelly will next compete in the SEMO Conference Tournament. East Prairie falls to 2-11 on the season.

Oran 12, Woodland 5

MARBLE HILL - The Oran Eagles improved to 10-2 on the season with a 12-5 win over Woodland on Tuesday.

Trey Graviett got the win, throwing five innings and allowing two runs (one earned) off one hit with five walks and nine strikeouts.

Patrick Friga threw 1 2/3 innings and allowed three unearned runs off two hits. Garrett Cook threw 1/3 of an inning.

Tyler Cookson and Graviett each had three hits for the Eagles. Cookson had three doubles and Graviett had a triple and two RBIs.

Others were Joey Bickings (1-3, RBI), Adam Friga (1-5), Cook (2-3, RBI), P. Friga (1-3, 3 RBIs), Matt Bucher (2-4, 2 RBIs), Matt Seyer (1-2, RBI) and Garrett Roslen (1-4).

Oran will play at Sikeston today at 4 p.m.

Cape 12, Dexter 6

DEXTER - Dexter's baseball team dropped to .500 on the season Tuesday, falling to Cape Central 12-6 in seven innings.

The Bearcats used five pitchers in the loss.

Eric Bowling threw the first 2 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and one walk.

Jason Mayer threw the next 1 2/3 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits and no walks.

Derek Burnett pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Mouser threw the final 2/3 of an inning.

Matt Burnett and Josh Lilly led the Bearcats at the plate, each batting 2-for-4.

For Cape Central (10-8), Jason Chavez picked up the win.