Jackson softball team preps for district play with win over Kelly

For most of the season Jackson softball coach Ashley Litzelfelner has been waiting to see Kate Lawrence break out offensively for the Indians.

Litzelfelner noticed Lawrence's consistent swing and patience at the plate during practice Sunday, but she wasn't sure it would hold up in a road game against Kelly on Monday.

But the Jackson sophomore shocked her coach by going 3 for 4 with three RBIs to lead the Indians to a 10-3 win in their final regular-season game over the Hawks.

"She came out today during her very first at-bat and showed what we had seen, what we've been seeing," Litzelfelner said about Lawrence's big day at the plate. "She's had a good year so far, but this one today was her game. It was definitely her best."

Jackson (16-10) also captured the SEMO Conference championship with its win over Kelly (21-4). The Indians went 4-0 in conference play this season.

Lawrence gave the Indians a two-run lead in the second inning.

Mallorie Maintz reached on an error to start the inning and advanced to second when Erica Gray was hit by a pitch. Two batters later, with one out, Lawrence belted her first double of the game off the right-field wall to score both runners.

Kelly starting pitcher Alexis Dock appeared frustrated after surrendering the runs and never bounced back.

"She fell apart on the mound, lost her composure and really struggled to grasp it after that error and the two runs," Kelly coach Rhonda Ratledge said. "She really let that bother her, and when you're a pitcher that's part of the position. You have to learn to control your emotions all the way around and through the whole game."

The Hawks got on the board in the second inning on a solo home run by senior Shanda Reed, but Jackson answered with a four-run third.

Jackson's Megan Clippard heads for first base on a single against Kelly during the sixth inning Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 at Kelly High School. (Fred Lynch)

Sophie Wunderlich led off the inning with a single, then advanced to third after Kayla Keith reached on a throwing error to first by Dock. Gray was hit by a pitch before Maintz cleared the bases with a double to make it 5-0.

Two batters later, with two outs in the inning, Lawrence hit her second double of the game in virtually the same spot to score Maintz from second.

"I just kept my confidence up during all of my at-bats, kept my head on it and really drove through it," Lawrence said.

Jackson's four-run inning knocked Dock out of the game. The junior gave up six runs on eight hits in four innings.

Lawrence got on base for a third time by singling to start the sixth. Shiann Clayborn pinch ran for Lawrence and advanced to third on two straight ground outs before scoring on a passed ball.

Kelly made an attempt at a comeback by scoring two runs in the sixth inning. McKynlee Neumeyer scored on a passed ball with one out in the inning. Two batters later Sam Ratledge singled and advanced to second on a throwing error, then moved to third on a passed ball. Stephanie Worth singled to score Ratledge to cut the lead to 7-3.

Jackson answered with back-to-back home runs in the seventh to secure the win.

Jackson's Erica Gray joins her teammates after her two-run homer against Kelly during the seventh inning Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 at Kelly High School. (Fred Lynch)

Taylor Kirn led off the inning with a single and scored on a home run by Gray. Sicily Johnston followed with a blast that cleared the left-field wall.

Johnston also had a good day in the circle.

The freshman pitcher picked up her eighth win, striking out three in seven innings of work.

"I throw pitches based on what team I'm facing that day, and for Kelly it was definitely my dropball," Johnston said. "That was the pitch I threw on almost every batter, and with my catcher calling a great game and picking spots, it was working today."

Litzelfelner was pleased with the win but hopes it carries over into the Class 4 District 1 tournament, which begin Wednesday.

"When our offense is on, it's on, and those girls were ready to come out and take a conference championship," Litzelfelner said. "It's a huge confidence booster, and I've told them they have what it takes to win big games against good teams like Kelly. Our heads are going to be held high on Wednesday, but they have to know and remember that there is more work to do ahead."

Jackson will host Central in the opening round of districts at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday. The winner advances to play Farmington at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Kelly has a first-round bye in the Class 2 District 1 tournament. The Hawks will play the winner of Twin Rivers vs. Puxico at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Puxico, Missouri.

Jackson 024 001 3 -- 10 13 0

Kelly 010 002 0 -- 3 9 3

WP -- Sicily Johnston. LP -- Alexis Dock. HR -- Erica Gray (J), Sicily Johnston (J), Shanda Reed (K). 2B -- Kate Lawrence (2) (J), Mallorie Maintz (J). Multiple hits -- Jackson: Sophie Wunderlich 3-4, Mallorie Maintz 2-3, Kate Lawrence 3-4; Kelly: Shanda Reed 2-3, Sam Ratledge 2-3, Stephanie Worth. Records -- Jackson 16-10, Kelly 21-4.