Kelly makes short work of Sikeston with 17-0 victory

SIKESTON — In a flash of brilliance, Kelly dismantled Sikeston with a near-flawless performance, sealing an impressive 17-0 victory in a swift three-inning game on Thursday, September 28.

The Lady Hawks (17-7) left no doubt about their hitting supremacy, outmatching the Lady Bulldogs (3-13) with an emphatic 17-1 hit advantage that highlighted their offensive prowess.

“They did a great job of coming out focused and getting good hits, driving pitches and being disciplined at the plate,” said Kelly coach Melanie Heuring. “I was proud of them and impressed with their hitting today.”

Kelly's Macy Burger (8) pitches�during a 17-0 win over Sikeston at the Sports Complex on Thursday, September 28.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Without hesitation, Kelly seized a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on Ava LeGrand’s leadoff single, Allie Daniel’s clutch double to score LeGrand, and Kayleigh Holman’s timely single to bring home Alexis Wilson and Mady Johnson.

“It’s always nice to get that conference win, especially against a big school,” Heuring said. “Some of the girls do play together, so there is probably a little bit of rivalry. It’s a good rivalry though. There are no hard feelings or anything. It’s always a good game when we play Sikeston.”

The Lady Hawks’ offense explosion continued in the second inning as eight straight hits, from all but one member of the lineup, propelled them to a commanding 10-0 lead.

Sikeston's Lily Robbins (1) makes a catch�during a loss to Kelly at the Sports Complex on Thursday, September 28, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The barrage of hits began with Katelyn Dannenmueller’s single to score Avree Riley, followed by a single from Blaire Riley that scored Dannemueller and a single from Daniel that scored Blaire Riley.

The hits kept coming, as Mady Johnson’s single drove in Wilson, Macy Burger’s single scored Johnson and an error brought Kayleigh Holman home.

The scoring frenzy concluded with Avree Riley’s single to score Miley Estes, cementing Kelly’s remarkable offensive display.

Kelly's Avree Riley (1) scores during a 17-0 win over Sikeston at the Sports Complex on Thursday, September 28.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“Everyone at least put the ball in play and put some pressure on the defense,” Heuring said. “That’s something we have to do going into the districts.”

In the third inning, Kelly further extended its lead to 17-0. First, Clara Hopkins and Balire Riley capitalized on an error to cross the plate.

Then, Wilson took advantage of another error to score, while Holman trotted home on a bases-loaded walk.

Sikeston's Cambree Scott (9) takes a swing during a loss to Kelly at the Sports Complex on Thursday, September 28, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The offensive onslaught continued as LeGrand delivered a single to bring in Burger and Estes, and Blaire Riley followed suit with a single to drive in Avree Riley.

“Our hitting was on today,” said Blaire Riley. “We were disciplined with the pitches we took, and I think almost everyone had a hit today. It was a really good day. It’s a good win for us. [Sikeston] has been a tough game for us over the years, and we just want to always make sure we come through and prove what we have.”

Burger earned the win after throwing two innings. She did not allow any runs on one hit with a strikeout and no walked batters. Estes pitched the final inning for the Lady Hawks, striking out one and walking two.

“[Burger] is very consistent,” Heuring said. “

I know she will come in and throw strikes. She doesn’t throw many balls or walk a lot of people. She is good at getting those ground outs, does a good job of moving the ball around, and stays composed on the mound. She knows she has a good defense behind her also.

“It’s kind of hard for her because [Estes] always doesn’t get a lot of pitching time because we have two seniors ahead of her,” she continued. “But we’re blessed to have this many pitchers.”

Dakota Thompson was responsible for Sikeston’s lone hit of the game. She also took the loss on the mound after starting the game and throwing 1.1 innings and allowing three earned runs on 10 hits.

Chloe Hamby threw the final 1.2 innings for the Lady Bulldogs, allowing seven earned runs on six hits with one strikeout and three walked batters.

Kelly hosts East Carter (8-10), while Sikeston hosts Doniphan (11-9) on Friday, September 29. The district tournament will be seeded on Wednesday, October 4.