Caruthersville, Senath-Hornersville advance in Bootheel Conference Tournament

CAMPBELL – Fourth-seeded Caruthersville beat fifth-seeded Malden and third-seeded Senath-Hornersville beat sixth-seeded Campbell in a breezy day of baseball in the Bootheel Conference Baseball Tournament at Campbell High School Monday, May 1, 2023.

__Caruthersville 17, Malden 2__

Caruthersville took down Malden in four innings to win by run rule in the tournament quarterfinal opener Monday.

After a slow start, and each team scoring a run in the first and second inning, the Tigers went on to put up 10 runs in the third and six in the fourth to end the game early.

Kamron Isbell, Tristen Hill, Jayce Jean and Ryan Guest all secured three runs for Caruthersville. Bill Middleton added two, and Dandridge McGraw, Jared Hudgens and Evan Bullington all contributed one.

“We started out kind of slow, but once we started hitting the ball things fell our way,” Caruthersville coach Joey Middleton said. “When you hit the ball, good things happen.”

Caruthersville's Kam Isbell looks to steal third base in a game against Malden Monday.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

After breaking out in the third inning, the Tigers' momentum carried through with aggressive base running and steals at every opportunity.

“Offensively, we're inconsistent,” Middleton said. “But when we have it, we can hit with the best of them. We're a good base running team and always looking to steal. Make them make plays – that's our philosophy.”

Bill Middleton pitched all four innings. He allowed three hits and two runs while striking out nine batters.

“We've played (Malden) twice and threw the same guy both times, so we put him back in again and he did a good job,” Middleton said. “As a freshman, every time we put him on the mound we compete well.”

Malden's Josiah Vasquez and Trey Miller both secured one of the Green Wave's two runs. Miller, Mason Sawyer and Jonathan Stewart all connected on one hit each.

Stewart led Malden on the mound for three innings. He allowed eight hits, six walks and nine earned runs while striking out two. Stewart was relieved by Gavin Fowler for 0.2 innings who allowed Malden's final six runs.

Tuesday, Caruthersville faces first-seeded Portageville at 2 p.m.

“Everybody knows they're the big dogs out here, but I hope we carry over the momentum and go out and compete against them,” Middleton said. “Momentum for a young team is a good thing.”

__Senath-Hornersville 10, Campbell 0__

Senath-Hornersville's offense went to work to put away their quarterfinal game in four innings at bat. The Lions scored a run in the first inning, then added five in the second and four in the fourth to win 10-0.

“If I had to plan it out, that was exactly the scenario I'd hope for,” Senath-Hornersville coach Chris McClain said.

Pookie Garza, Jesus Mendoza and Chayse Laden all scored two runs for the Lions. Michael Weldon, Noah Rhodes, Amador Luna and Spencer Goff all chipped in another.

Senath-Hornersville's Pookie Garza and coach Chris McClain watch the pitcher as Garza looks to make it home Monday.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Laden pitched all five innings and allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.

“Chayse stayed under 80, and obviously he's done for the week, but he came out and did what he was supposed to do,” McClain said. “He's been our number one, but right now it's just next man up. He did what we asked, and it's a big game again tomorrow.”

Tuesday, Senath-Hornersville faces second-seeded South Pemiscot at 4 p.m.

“We have a long history with them as long as I can remember,” McClain said of South Pemiscot. “They've gotten the better of us most of the time since I've been here, but you never know what's going to happen. I fully anticipate our guys to come out and play some solid baseball.”