Portageville baseball team advances in Bootheel Conference Tournament

The Portageville Bulldogs moved one step further in the Bootheel Conference Tournament as they defeated Holcomb Monday, 5-4.

Portageville's Hunter Jackson's walk-off, bases-loaded walk off Holcomb Dustin Houart aided the Bulldogs win.

Portageville pitcher Hunter Cook racked up three RBIs on three hits for the Bulldogs. He singled in the first inning and doubled in the second and fourth innings.

Derrick Priggel was able to shut down Holcomb when he was on the mound. The Hornets got only two hits off of Priggel, who allowed one earned run, walked three and struck out six in the five innings he pitched.

The "closer" Hunter Cook managed to get back on the ground for the win. He pitched 3 1/3 shutout innings and struck out three, walked one and gave up one hit.

Taking the loss for Holcomb was Houart. He pitched six innings, walked five and struck out nine while allowing three runs.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Bulldogs took an 1-0 lead. Priggel started things off with a single for the Bulldogs and Cook singled, bringing home Cameron West.

After Monday's game, the Bulldogs are now 15-6 and were in action Tuesday night hosting South Pemiscot.

Last Thursday, the Bulldogs lost 5-4 to Senath-Hornersville despite the efforts of Hunter Jackson.

The Lions scored once in the top of the seventh inning to take a 5-4 lead, then made it stand up in the bottom of the seventh to take a crucial district and Bootheel Conference victory over the Portageville Bulldogs here Thursday.

With the victory, Senath-Hornersville wrapped up the regular-season Bootheel Conference championship and the top seed in next week's Bootheel Conference Tournament. Last but not least, the victory also increases the chances of Senath-Hornersville earning the No. 1 seed in the Class 2, District 1 Tournament that takes place later this month.

The Lions took the lead for good in the top of the seventh inning when Kyle Moore singled with one out, then later came home on Cesar Moncada's RBI base hit to make it 5-4.

Starting pitcher Brady Bibbs pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh, getting a grounder to second to end the game and seal the victory. Bibbs is undefeated this season and has established a reputation as the Lions' ace.

Hunter Cook ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision with the loss. He lasted three innings, walked none, struck out five and allowed one run.