Carlton’s shutout trumps Spane’s No-Hitter as Advance defeats Oran

ADVANCE, Mo. — Anybody in Southeast Missouri that keeps up with high school softball knew the pitching matchup in the Class 1, District 2 semifinal between second-seeded Oran and third-seeded Advance had the potential to be a premier one.

It turned out to be just that!

Advance starting pitcher Addison Carlton was once again able to shut down the offensive opposition, leading the Hornets past the Eagles 1-0 Monday evening at Westfield Park in Advance.

Oran's Lily Knotts (3) tags out a baserunner during a 1-0 loss to Advance in the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 Semifinals at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri on Monday, May 8.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“We all came out ready to go,” Carlton said. “We knew it was going to come down to the wire. Everything went our way and it was good game.”

What makes this revenge so sweet for Advance coach James Hamlin and his team is the fact that Oran starting pitcher Molly Spane actually no-hit Advance.

“We knew we would have our work cut out for us with Molly (Spane) in the circle, “Hamlin said. “She threw a terrific game. We talked about being ready to hit but at the same time being patient and work the count against her and we were fortunate enough to push across the run.”

Oran's Ava Forehand (11) sprints during a 1-0 loss to Advance in the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 Semifinals at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri on Monday, May 8.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The one run for the Hornet's offensive would be all that the visitors in the scorebook would need as Carlton matched Spane nearly pitch for pitch but with two fewer walks that ultimately hurt Spane in the opening inning. Spane struggled with control to open the game as the talented junior hurler walked the first two batters of the game for Advance, Brogan Hawkins and Maggie Stubenrauch. Spane then hit the very next batter, catcher Kaylee Cline and cleanup hitter Natalee Roper was able to draw another base on balls that scored the eventual game-winning run by Hawkins.

“We definitely made her (Spane) work in that first inning, “Hamlin said. “We stressed being patient at the plate because we knew runs (and hits) would be at a premium today. We were very fortunate to take advantage of her not hitting her spots in the first because after that she found her groove.”

Spane ended the game giving up zero hits and struck out 17 Hornets but her four walks would cost her the win.

Advance's Kaylee Cline (4) awaits the pitch�during a 1-0 win over Oran in the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 Semifinals at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri on Monday, May 8.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Although Carlton didn't match Spane in the strikeout department, the sophomore hurler only allowed one hit over seven innings pitched, striking out 11 and walking just two.

“Addison (Carlton) threw an absolute gem,” Hamlin said. “She went out there and made that one run hold up and our defense played great behind her and Oran’s defense was great as well. Both teams played outstanding and it’s an absolute shame someone had to lose this caliber of game because both teams left it all out there on the field.”

The victory earns Advance (15-5) a spot in the C1D2 Championship game against top-seeded Valle Catholic (16-3) on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Westfield Park in Advance.

“I was just trying to work around the plate,”Carlton said. “They have some good hitters, and I was just trying my best to work around them, keep it in there and keep it going.”

The Warriors upended fourth-seeded Oak Ridge 12-1 earlier in the day on Monday.

“Valle Catholic is a really good team so we’re going to have our work cut out for us,” Hamlin said. “Addison (Carlton) told me right after the game she was good to go tomorrow so she will be right back out there in the circle. If we continue to put the ball in play, take really good at-bats and play defense behind Carlton like we have been, we have a really good chance.”

Oran finished the season with a 17-8 record.

“Two of the most dominant pitchers in Southeast Missouri battled it out today,” said Oran coach Jim Eftink. “It’s tough to lose a game when you don’t give up a hit, but we wish Advance the best of luck. They’re a good team.”

__ADVANCE 1, ORAN 0__

W—Addison Carlton. L—Molly Spane.