Kennett downs East Prairie

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. — The season got off to a rocky start as the East Prairie softball team committed six errors in a 13-2 loss to Kennett.

“We hung with them for a while, but couldn't get the offense going,” said East Prairie coach Jade Marcum. “Then they had a pretty good inning and hits lots of gaps and we couldn't come back unfortunately.”

Kennedy Cogdill took the loss after starting the game and pitching the first four innings. She finished with two strikeouts and no walks while allowing five earned runs on eight hits. Addi Aters pitched the final inning. She walked two batters, struck out one and surrendered four runs, although none were earned, on one hit.

“They maintained a great attitude,” Marcus said. “It was incredible to see Cogdill get back in the circle for us. She threw a great game. Aters stepped into the lineup like she'd been here for years and went deep on a two-run shot to put us on the board. Very impressed with her drive and focus, she will be one to watch this season and future seasons to come.”

Cogdill, Tori Stinnett and Aters each recorded a hit, while Stinnett and Aters each scored a run.

“We had some hiccups on defense, but overall, I was pleased for our first game,” Marcum said. “Their pitcher threw well, and if we had more than just two looks at her, I believe our girls would have started putting the ball in play more. I'd say if we had a few more games under our belt before facing them, the score would have been closer.”

Handley McAtee earned the win after pitching all five innings. She allowed two runs on three hits with six strikeouts and two walked batters.

East Prairie is scheduled to host Meadow Heights (0-0) on Thursday, March 23.

__KENNETT 13, EAST PRAIRIE 2, F/5__

Kennett 011 74x x - 13 9 0

E. Prairie 000 20x x - 2 3 6

W—Handley McAtee. L—Kennedy Cogdill. 2B—East Prairie: Tori Stinnett; Kennett: Hadley Wilson. 3B—Kennett: Kaydee Taylor.