Modglin adds playoff win to achievements

SPRINGFIELD — Ryan Modglin's impressive resume as a high school pitcher earned him a full scholarship to Missouri State and led major league scouts to Scott City to watch him throw.

One credential the right-handed senior lacked heading into Wednesday's Class 2 state semifinal against Hallsville was a win beyond the district round of the playoffs.

Modglin entered a sectional game last year against South Pemiscot having allowed just two hits in his four previous starts, including two no-hitters. But Modglin struggled against South Pemiscot, going two-plus innings and allowing four runs.

Again this year, Modglin was strong during the regular season and the district tournament, allowing one earned run in 47 1/3 innings. But in a sectional game last week against Portageville, he allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings and failed to earn the win in a game that Scott City eventually won in extra innings.

Modglin finally came through with his first state playoff win, beating Hallsville 10-0 in five innings at Meador Park.

He improved to 8-1 by tossing a complete game. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out five.

"It was big and they just played wonderful defense behind me," Modglin said. "I was just trying to do the best I could and place the ball where I wanted. That's a good hitting team and I just had to do as best I could."

Modglin said he wasn't too upset with the way he pitched last week against Portageville when he surrendered his second, third and fourth earned runs of this spring.

"I don't really look at it as I let up three earned runs," Modglin said. "I was kind of frustrated I didn't make pitches when I needed to or when I wanted to. But we got the win. That's the main thing. You can't be frustrated when you win. ... You've just got to move on."

The Rams (22-1) advanced to today's Class 2 championship game against Barstow (18-1) at 4 p.m.

Hallsville managed two doubles off Modglin.

Modglin's trip to Springfield has been a fun one, and not just because of the win. He also has been able to spend time with the Missouri State coaching staff, which was in the stands watching him pitch against Hallsville.

"All of them were here," Modglin said. "I was just trying to do the best I could. ... They just all told me, 'Good luck' and to do the best I could."

Missouri State head coach Keith Guttin let the Scott City team practice at the college's facility Tuesday. He then gave the Rams a tour of Hammonds Field, which is the home of not only Missouri State baseball, but also the Springfield Cardinals.

"It's big for [Modglin]," Scott City coach Lance Amick said. "When he knew we were coming to Springfield, that was a treat in itself. We worked out at Missouri State's indoor facility yesterday, and it's a nice perk to have with him going there. Coach Guttin showed us around the field. It's just a dream. It's unbelievable where he's going to be playing baseball next year if he doesn't get drafted or whatever. It's amazing to be playing at that stadium every day."

The Rams' coach was impressed with the way his ace threw in the semifinals.

"He was down in the zone," Amick said. "His location was great. I've seen his velocity harder at times, but his average velocity is pretty dang hard. He had his forkball really working today — just flawless location."

Hallsville's Brandon Baker said Modglin was the hardest thrower his team faced this year.

"He mixes speeds well," Baker said. "He's got good velocity on his fastball and he consistently throws strikes. He's just good all the way around. ... Coach told us we need to put the ball in play to give us a chance, but we didn't today. We only had two hits."

Modglin said that because of his low pitch count, he would be ready to pitch today if needed. Right after the game he said his arm felt fine.

"Even if we didn't get a 10-run rule in the fifth and we got it in the sixth or something, my pitch count wasn't that bad at all," Modglin said. "It was probably around 60, 65. So I could come back and pitch three innings tomorrow either way. I can go as long as they need me. This is the last year and the first time ever to bring the school a state championship. So I'm going to try my best to do whatever I can [and] sacrifice my body."

Amick said he would use Modglin if he needs him and if his ace feels OK.

"We wanted to limit his pitches," Amick said. "We were definitely thinking we wanted two [runs in the fifth] to get the 10-run rule to limit the number of pitches on his arm and bring him back if he's available tomorrow. We'll decide that tomorrow. It will be totally up to him. If his arm is not where it needs to be we won't go with him."