Kennett beats Poplar Bluff 15-0 in SEMO Conference Tournament opener

KENNETT – The second-seeded Kennett Indians cruised past seventh-seeded Poplar Bluff in three innings in the first round of the SEMO Conference Tournament Friday, April 28, 2023.

Kennett's bats were hot from the start of the game as the Indians secured seven runs in the first inning and six more in the second, then adding two in the third inning to initiate the run rule.

“It couldn't have gone better offensively,” Kennett coach Aaron New said. “That's the best we've been up and down the lineup all year long, and that's a good sign. We're at a point where guys are starting to get good on the field and have good at bats, and we had a lot of good at bats today.”

In the brief matchup, Brooks Nigut and Trey Gardner both scored three runs on three hits in three innings. Caleb Duncan, Peyton Branum and Ashton Williams all contributed two. Tanner Pierce, Matthew Gardner and John Poole each chipped in another.

Kennett's John Poole (23) is met at home plate by teammates after hitting a home run in a SEMO Conference Tournament game against Poplar Bluff Friday.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Poole's one run happened to be a three-run homer that brought in Branum and Williams in the bottom of the second.

In addition to the host's explosive offense, senior Tanner Pierce threw what could be considered a perfect game, if it weren't for the early conclusion.

Pierce pitched all three innings and didn't allow a single hit, walked batter or earned run. He faced nine batters and threw 31 pitches for 23 strikes and four strikeouts.

“That's what your senior leader is supposed to do,” New said. “I don't know if you'd call it a perfect game, but he was perfect through three innings and the game lasted three innings. He was outstanding today.”

After each player on the Mules lineup had a chance at bat, none secured a hit. Poplar Bluff tested two pitchers on the mound, each throwing for 1.1 innings.

Poplar Bluff's Kolby Greenwall attempts to tag out Kennett's Brooks Nigut stealing second base Friday.Christian Johnson, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Senior David Durbin started, and after facing 17 batters, he threw 59 pitches and 37 strikes for a single strikeout. He surrendered 10 hits and 12 earned runs.

Durbin was relieved by Cameron Settle for the latter half of the ballgame, who allowed five hits and three earned runs.

“Today was a step in the right direction,” New said regarding the team's consistency. “I know we lost against Jackson, but going up against one of the top power arms in the state, we managed to grind out bats there. If we can keep throwing strikes and making plays, we have a chance to be good here at the end.”

Next up, Kennett plays the winner of third-seeded Cape Central and sixth-seeded New Madrid County Central Saturday at Cape Central High School. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:45 p.m.

“I love this tournament and I love being in this conference,” New said. “It doesn't matter who you play, because you better to be ready to play and anybody can beat you.”