Kelly slips past Crusaders 2-0 in Class 2 District 1 semifinals

SCOTT CITY -- Kelly converted Saxony Lutheran miscues into runs to reach the Class 2, District 1 softball final Thursday.

The top-seeded Hawks, aided by two Saxony Lutheran errors, scored two runs and made them stand in a 2-0 victory at Scott City.

"That was all we needed, but it sure was a scary two [runs]," Kelly coach Rhonda Ratledge said. "To get 'em that early and not be able to put any more across the plate. ... We didn't get any big hits that we're used to getting."

The Hawks (19-4) put the ball in play in the decisive third inning, pressuring the Crusaders' (9-12) defense.

Freshman McKynlee Neumeyer delivered the first hit of the game, a one-out single past shortstop.

Kelly’s Alexis Dock pitches during the fifth inning.

Samantha Ratledge, who led the Hawks with two hits, followed with a bunt that was misplayed, putting runners at first and third.

Morgan LeDure's bunt attempt resulted in a two-base error, scoring Neumeyer and sending Ratledge to third.

Winning pitcher Alexis Dock helped her cause with a RBI single to score Ratledge with the second and final run of the game.

"We take back those two errors and this is an ongoing ballgame right now," said Saxony coach Tali Beaudean, whose team played flawless defense after the fatal third.

Dock, who tossed a one-hit shutout, kept the Crusaders off-balance throughout. The freshman struck out seven and walked none.

Kelly’s McKynlee Neumeyer singles against Saxony Lutheran during the third inning of the Class 2 District 1 semifinal Thursday in Scott City. (Fred Lynch)

"It's very nerve-wracking because it's districts," Dock said. "We definitely want to get past districts because it's a big goal of ours to go to state every year. Starting the first game of districts is very, very scary."

The Hawks' defensive effort drew praise from coach Ratledge.

"Defensively, it was an outstanding day," Ratledge said. "It couldn't have gone any better."

Natalie Schlimpert, the St. Vincent hurler, kept her team close, but the Crusaders were unable to muster any run support.

Schlimpert scattered six hits with one strikeout and two walks. She was the winning pitcher a day earlier against Chaffee.

Saxony Lutheran center fielder Abby Hadler catches a fly ball during the second inning.

"Natalie did a fantastic job," Beaudean said. "She did a heck of a job yesterday, and came out today and showed no nerves."

Kelly will meet No. 2 seed St. Vincent for the title at 4 p.m. today.

Saxony 002 000 0 -- 2 6 1

Kelly 000 000 0 -- 0 1 2

WP -- Alexis Dock. LP -- Natalie Schlimpert. Multiple hits -- Kelly: Samantha Ratledge 2-4.

Records -- Kelly 19-4, Saxony Lutheran 9-12.