Handley McAtee pitches perfect game in Kennett’s 10-0 rout of Oran

KENNETT – Sophomore Handley McAtee pitched a perfect game while the Indians' offense went to work in the Kennett softball team's 10-0 victory over Oran at home Thursday, April 20, 2023.

“Handley came out and performed exactly the way we wanted her to,” Kennett softball coach Logan Dollins said. “She had nine K's in five innings, and overall she just came out and pounded the strike zone, spun in extremely well, got her changeup going, and then we still made plays behind her.”

Though Kennett won after just five innings, McAtee threw a complete game, not allowing a single hit, walked batter or earned run. Facing 15 batters, she threw 70 pitches and 46 strikes for nine strikeouts.

“It's just her work ethic,” Dollins explained. “She's a quiet leader, and she leads by example. A lot of it is behind closed doors, going to the gym and putting in extra time after practice, offensively and defensively. I'm just super proud to be able to coach her on a daily basis.”

Kennett's offense racked up seven hits and 10 RBIs with five walks in securing their 10 runs.

Hadley Wilson kickstarted the Indians' scoring in the bottom of the third inning as she doubled on a line drive to left field with bases loaded, which brought McAtee, Kynsly McCaig and Emma Tinnin home.

Kennett's Hadley Wilson looks to take home from third base in a game against Oran Thursday, April 20, 2023.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Before the end of the third, Hayley Bagwell brought in Wilson and Lauren Barton with a fly ball to center field as well, advancing the Indians' lead to 5-0.

“It took us a couple innings to get going,” Dollins said. “We had some good at-bats early but we kept chasing everything up. We switched things around yesterday, spreading the lineup out a little bit, and our small ball game has been really good. Overall, we had a really good day up and down the lineup.”

McAtee, Tinnin and Baylee Wilcut all scored in the bottom of the fourth. Kaydee Taylor scored in the fifth with a single by McAtee, and Wilcut crossed home plate once more for Kennett's tenth run.

“From our standpoint, situational hitting has been big,” Dollins said. “We haven't done a great job when we have bases loaded or multiple people on base then coming up and getting a good hit. Towards the end of the game we saw more of that unselfishness when having a runner on base.”

Kennett's momentous win comes one night after falling in a 7-11 matchup against Dyersburg. Dollins described the conversation after Wednesday's game and the importance of “putting a complete game together,” which he said starts in the circle.

After making routine plays behind McAtee, in addition to playing strategically at bat, Dollins said “that's exactly what we did,” against Oran.

Molly Spane took the loss for Oran in the circle. She pitched 4.1 innings and faced 32 batters, throwing 135 pitches and 76 strikes. Spane allowed seven hits, five walked batters and ten earned runs.

Oran's Molly Spane throws a pitch against Kennett Thursday, April 20, 2023.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Kennett travels to Potosi Friday to take on the hosts as well as Park Hills. They compete in the Bootheel Conference Tournament next week, and will take on the winner of (4) Malden and (5) South Pemiscot Tuesday at 3 p.m.