East Prairie extends winning streak to seven games with dominant pitching performance from Peyton Hodges

CHARLESTON, Mo. — East Prairie won its seventh consecutive game in commanding fashion, delivering an electrifying performance against Charleston in the Red and Blue Classic at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26.

Peyton Hodges showcased an impressive arsenal of pitches that frustrated the opposing batters as the Eagles (10-8) defeated the Bluejays (6-9) in six innings by a 10-0 margin.

East Prairie's Rafe Byasee (1) sprints for home base during a 10-0 win over Charleston at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“I liked how [Hodges] controlled the game on the mound,” said East Prairie coach Gary Scott. “He threw strikes and commanded his pitches well. He has gotten better as the year has gone by with his command. I’m pleased with the effort he gave today. Coming in I was a little concerned because we haven’t played in over a week, but I thought we played well and did a lot of things the right way.”

Hodges threw all six innings and didn’t allow any runs on three hits with a dozen strikeouts and one walked batter.

East Prairie's Rayne Jerrigan (22) slides into second base after a steal during a 10-0 win over Charleston at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

This marked the third straight win in the series for East Prairie against its Scott-Mississippi Conference and Mississippi County rival.

“This game is always fun,” Scott said. “There’s always a little extra motivation to see who is going to keep the trophy.”

The Eagles got the Bluejays on their back foot early when Noah Johnson scored on an error in the first inning. The team extended the lead to 3-0 in the third inning after Noah Johnson and Rayne Jerrigan scored on a ground ball single by Rafe Byassee.

Charleston's Bennett Logan (4) throws a pitch during a 10-0 loss to East Prairie at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

East Prairie continued to increase the lead, scoring two runs in the fifth inning and five runs in the sixth inning. Those runs came when Hodges scored on an error; Will Jarvis singled to score Byassee; Maxx Walters scored on a ground out; Johnson scored on a bases-loaded walk; and Jarvis, Johnson and Hodges scored on a ground ball by Owen Knight.

Knight had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Johnson and Byassee were the only other players with multiple hits, finishing 2-for-3 with three scored runs and 2-for-4 with three RBIs and one scored run, respectively.

East Prairie's Noah Johnson (7) celebrates after scoring a run during a 10-0 win over Charleston at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“We played fundamental baseball today,” Scott said. “We did the little things it takes to win. I’m proud of the strides this team has made. We still make mistakes but we’re getting better. Our defense has gotten better and we’re getting some key hits with runners in scoring position.”

Bennett Logan took the loss for Charleston after five innings of work. He allowed four earned runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and four walks. Bryant Gunn pitched one inning in relief and allowed two earned runs on two hits with three walked batters.

East Prairie's Winfield White (17) puts down a bunt during a 10-0 win over Charleston at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

The Bluejays managed just two hits, one each by Zach Rosson and Lane Morrow.

“We just never could get anything going,” said Charleston coach Michael Minner. “Hodges threw a great game. He got ahead in the count and dominated. We’ve got some work to do. We have a couple of weeks to prepare for the postseason. Don’t count us out.”

East Prairie is on the road at Caruthersville (6-11) on Thursday, April 27, and hosts Greenville (14-2) on Friday, April 28.

East Prairie's Owen Knight (11) takes a swing during a 10-0 win over Charleston at Hillhouse Park on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Charleston travels to Oran (10-4) on Thursday, April 27, and hosts Bernie (10-8) on Friday, April 28.

__EAST PRAIRIE 10, CHARLESTON 0, F/6__

E. Prairie 102 025 x — 10 8 0

Charleston 000 000 x — 0 3 3

W—Peyton Hodges. L—Bennett Logan. 2B—East Prairie: Noah Johnson.