Huffman drives in multiple hits to lead Mules past Kelly

After falling short in this year’s Semo Conference Baseball Tournament and being unable to play for third place due to weather, the Poplar Bluff Mules took all their frustrations out on their latest opponent.

Kade Huffman drove in four runs on three hits to lead the Mules past the Kelly Hawks 16-1 on Tuesday at Poplar Bluff High School. Huffman singled twice in the first, scoring one on each hit, singled in the second, scoring one, and hit a sacrifice fly in the third, scoring one.

Kelly got on the board in the first inning after a steal of home scored one run. The Mules flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the first, scoring eight runs on five hits to take an 8-1 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a triple by Bryce Dobbs that drove in two.

The Mules scored six runs on seven hits in the bottom of the second inning to extend their lead. Dylan Bratcher grounded out, scoring one run, Noah Spain singled, scoring two runs, Kolby Greenwall singled, scoring one run, Huffman singled, scoring one run, and Rylan Seesengood singled, scoring one run.

Poplar Bluff added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Greenwall singled and Huffman hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run, ultimately ending the game.

Seesengood earned the win for Mules. He gave up one hit and one run over three innings, striking out four and walking two. Avery Wolsey took the loss for Kelly. The right-handed pitcher went one-third of an inning, surrendering eight runs (seven earned) on four hits, striking out none and walking four.

The Mules dominated from the plate and piled up 14 hits in the game. Greenwall, Bratcher, Dobbs, and Seesengood each collected multiple hits, and they didn't commit a single error in the field. Dalton Fork went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead Kelly in hits.

The Mules will welcome the Northwest Lions for senior night on Thursday for their next game.