Kelly celebrates seniors with shutout of Charleston

BENTON, Mo. — Despite challenges this season, Kelly left it all on the field during a 6-0 Senior Night win over Charleston.

The Hawks (8-10) used a relentless first-inning offensive barrage and a dominant pitching performance for the decisive win over the Blue Jays (4-7) on Wednesday, April 24.

“Our kids did a great job,” said Kelly coach Josh Hopkins. “We attacked and were very aggressive.”

Kelly�s Dalton Forck (15) slides into home base for a run during a 6-0 Senior Night win over Charleston on Wednesday, April 24. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Ross Peters led off the game with a single, setting the stage for the six-run first inning. A bases-loaded hit-by-pitch brought Peters home a short time later, followed by RBI singles from Avery Wolsey and Landon Alexander.

Dalton Forck scored on a passed ball, and Brady Oesch capped the rally with a single that scored Wolsey and Alexander.

“Even though we didn’t extend the scoreline after that first inning, we were still putting pressure on the defense and looking to make things happen,” Hopkins said. “We just hit balls right at people from that point on.”

Charleston's Owen Willis (2) makes a catch during a 6-0 loss at Kelly on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Kelly demonstrated impressive plate discipline during the victory, logging 20 quality at-bats out of 32 plate appearances. A quality at-bat goes beyond just getting a hit. It showcases a hitter’s skill and strategy by forcing the pitcher to throw multiple pitches, avoiding swings at balls outside the strike zone, and making solid contact even if it leads to an out.

By focusing on QABs, a team wears down opposing pitchers and creates more scoring opportunities throughout the game.

“You can’t be upset about that,” Hopkins said. “That’s definitely a positive. With everything that has been going on, we’ve just been trying to find a way to get over the hump. Hopefully, tonight is a step in the right direction. I’m proud of what we did tonight.”

Kelly's Kaleb Yount (3) scores during a 6-0 win over Charleston on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Nicholas Christian took care of the rest, earning the win after delivering a complete game, seven-inning shutout. The senior struck out 13 Blue Jays, walking four, and allowing just three hits.

“[Christian] did a great job on the mound, keeping [Charleston] at bay and off the scoreboard,” Hopkins said. “It was a great outing. He attacked the zone and was smart with his sequences. He did a good job of locating to get what we wanted out of the pitch. Anytime you can throw a complete game, you’ve done a good job and we’re proud of what he did.”

While their final season might not have played out exactly as envisioned, these seniors exemplified the spirit of their team, refusing to give up in the face of adversity.

Kelly's Nicholas Christian (1) throws a pitch during a 6-0 win over Charleston on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“You never envision that your senior year is going to end up the way it’s going for these guys right now,” Hopkins said. “They’ve been dealt a really tough hand. They’ve done a great job of sticking with the program, believing in our philosophy and doing what needs to be done to get us to the next level.

“They’ve left a legacy that will help to continue building this program in the right direction,” he concluded. “These guys will have a special place in my heart for a long time because they fight, and won’t quit. I absolutely love these kids for that.”

Will Dixon, Cade Coon and Kaden Branam were responsible for Charleston’s three hits and Bryant Gunn took the loss on the mound, throwing six innings and allowing six runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and six walked batters.

Charleston travels to Bernie (14-7) on Friday, April 25, and Kelly hosts East Carter (11-7) on Saturday, April 26,

KELLY 6, CHARLESTON 0

Charleston 000 000 0 — 0 3 0

Kelly 600 000 x — 6 8 0

W—Nicholas Christian. L—Bryant Gunn. 2B—Kelly: Reece Eftink.