Modglin no-hits Kelly

~ Modglin struck out 11 in the Rams' five-inning victory over the Hawks.

Scott City starter Ryan Modglin threw his second no-hitter in the span of a week in a 10-0, five-inning win Tuesday over visiting Kelly.

Modglin struck out the first six batters he faced and finished with 11 strikeouts. Last week against Kennett, Modglin struck out 15 in a no-hitter. He struck out 17 in a two-hitter at the Red Devils Classic on April 21.

"I would say this season it would be an eight or nine out of a 10 scale," Modglin said of his performance. "But I still can do better. I'm just glad we got a win as a team, that's the most important thing."

Kelly hitters put the ball in play just three times, popping out to the outfield twice and once to Modglin on a failed bunt attempt. The Hawks put two on with no out on back-to-back walks in the third, but Modglin got the No. 9 hitter to pop out on a bunt and struck out the next two swinging to end the threat.

Scott City's Shae Simmons connected with a pitch during the Rams' 10-0 home win over Kelly on Tuesday. (Kit Doyle)

While the Rams' fielders did not have much work Tuesday, they were able to stay in the game and make the few plays that came their way.

"Ryan does what he can and we back him up when he makes a mistake," Scott City senior Rynn Eskew said.

One of those few mistakes Tuesday, a leadoff walk in the fourth, was erased thanks to a Scott City defensive play. Cody Carlyle completed a strikeout-throw out play to clear the bases. Modglin walked six in all and hit a batter.

"Cody is a good catcher," Scott City coach Lance Amick said. "He came up with a huge strike 'em out, throw 'em out play."

Modglin continued to feed Carlyle fastballs throughout the game. Kelly hitters had a hard time laying off the high fastball and Modglin continued to pound the top of the zone.

For the first few innings, Kelly hitters hardly made contact at all. In three innings, a bunt attempt was the only contact which stayed in fair territory.

"I'll challenge them with the fastball, and if it's working, I'll keep doing it," Modglin said.

Scott City's offense was limited to a variety of fly outs in the first four innings, plating just one run on an RBI single from Modglin in the first. Bryce Faulkner relieved Kelly starter Dallas Tew to start the fifth and the wheels simply fell off for the Hawks.

Josh Henson led off and reached on an error by the third baseman. Shae Simmons followed with a bunt single, Modglin drove in two with a single and Carlyle pulled a pitch over the left-field fence for a two-run home run.

Scott City came up with three hits and two walks before Kelly was able to get the second out. Modglin then ended the game with a bases-clearing double.

"We really got our rhythm down there in the fifth when we scored our runs," Scott City senior Blake Dirnberger said. "We got used to him and hit the ball pretty good."

Modglin was able to give his arm a little added rest heading into the district tournament next week by ending the game in the fifth. Modglin will likely start either Monday against St. Vincent in the opening round of the district tournament or possibly Tuesday if the Rams make the semifinals.

"Going into the sixth he had 90 pitches, and that saved him at least 30 more pitches [by ending it in the fifth]," Amick said. "That kept him on a good pitch count and that's huge this time of year."

Modglin was 3-for-4 with five RBIs to lead Scott City's offensive attack. Carlyle and Eskew each added two hits. Scott City had three bunt singles in the game and was active on the base paths.

"I don't think we struck out the whole game, and that's against a good pitcher in Tew," Amick said. "When you constantly put the ball in play good things will happen."

The Rams have won nine straight following a 4-5 start. Scott City will finish its season Thursday at Central. Tuesday's matchup could be a potential matchup in the Class 2 District 3 tournament. Scott City is seeded No. 2 and Kelly is No 3 in the district.

"We've won nine straight heading into district," Dirnberger said. "We just hope to keep it rolling."

Added Eskew: "We have a lot of confidence right now."

Kelly 000 00 -- 0 0 2

Scott City 100 09 -- 10 10 0

WP -- Ryan Modglin. LP -- Dallas Tew. HR -- Cody Carlyle (S). 2B -- Ryan Modglin (S). Multiple hits -- Scott City, Modglin 3-4; Carlyle 2-3; Eskew 2-3. Records -- Kelly 12-9, Scott City 13-5.