Oran extends streak as Sikeston celebrates seniors

SIKESTON — Oran crashed the party on Sikeston’s senior night, securing a 6-0 victory at VFW Stadium on Wednesday, May 1.

The win marks the third consecutive year the Eagles (13-5) have defeated the Bulldogs (4-17).

“Being able to jump on them earlier with those runs was important,” said Oran coach Joe Bickings. “I don’t want to say we got complacent, but we got runners on and just didn’t get them in. We had a lot of runners left on base.”

Oran's Gabe Dirnberger (25) throws a pitch during a 6-0 win over Sikeston at VFW Stadium on Wednesday, April 30, 2024.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Oran jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

Brenden Campbell crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by Parker Bryant, followed by an RBI single from Rylan Mills that scored Gabe Dirnberger.

Nolan Loper then singled to bring home Marshall Bradley.

Sikeston�s Luke Gadberry (4) makes a throw after tagging a runner out at home plate during a 6-0 loss to Oran at VFW Stadium on Wednesday, May 1.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston’s Peyton Mitchell led off the bottom of the inning with a single, but a fielder’s choice and a quick double play ended the scoring threat.

The second inning showcased strong defense with both sides executing double plays to shut down their opponents’ momentum.

The Eagles put on the pressure by loading the bases in the top of the third inning after three walks. But, Bulldogs’ pitcher Jamison Sifford displayed excellent composure and worked his way out of the jam unscathed, inducing an infield fly and a lineout.

Sikeston seniors Colt Parker, Rush Ault, Carter Goodman, Andon Christian and Connor Wicker stand for a photo on Senior Night.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“Sikeston battled,” Bickings said. “We had runners on and they kept us from getting a big hit and made some plays. Their pitchers did a good job of keeping them in the game and throwing strikes.”

The score remained 3-0 until the top of the sixth inning, when Dirnberger smashed a double, driving in Mills and Campbell to extend the lead to 5-0.

Oran added another insurance run in the top of the seventh inning, with Cooper Bryant scoring on a sacrifice fly by Kole Burger.

Sikeston made one last push in the bottom of the seventh, with seniors Colt Parker and Andon Christian sparking hope with back-to-back singles.

However, on the next at-bat, the Eagles executed a textbook double play, ending the game and silencing any chance of a Senior Night rally.

“We swung it pretty well, but we just didn’t get that big hit and Oran played some really good defense,” said Sikeston coach Wyatt Pratt. “They turned those double plays that swung momentum. But It’s another step in the right direction.”

Dirnberger was dominant on the mound, earning the complete-game shut-out win, allowing five hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

“Dirnberger came through with a big two-out RBI for us, and on the mound he was phenomenal,” Bickings said. “He was out there pounding the zone and our defense did a stellar job.”

Sifford took the loss for Sikeston, starting the game and pitching the first four innings. He allowed three unearned runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three. Pierce Baker pitched the final three innings for Sikeston, allowing two earned runs on three hits with one strikeout and four walks.

“I was proud of the way our young guys stepped up today on the mound and in the field, making some huge plays,” Pratt said. “That’s a great sign.”

Oran will conclude the regular season by hosting Kelly (10-11) on May 3, Bell City (11-6) on May 6 and Woodland (3-11) on May 7.

The Eagles received the No. 1 seed in the MSHSAA Class 1, District 2 Tournament at Bell City, and will face the winner of fourth-seeded Naylor (7-8) and fifth-seeded Advance (3-13) on May 13.

“It is always a positive to get the top seed,” Bickings said. “But we know when it comes to districts everyone is 0-0. It’s going to be a competitive tournament.”

While the result wasn’t what they hoped for, Sikeston’s Senior Night highlighted the potential and determination within the program. The Bulldogs displayed a strong work ethic, fueled by the departing seniors’ leadership.

“You just can’t thank them enough for the effort they’ve put in and the leadership they provide,” Pratt said. “They’re go-getters and they’re going to be successful in whatever they decide to do in life.”

Sikeston will travel to East Carter (13-8) on May 7, host North County (9-9) on May 8, host Kennett (9-14) on May 9 and host St. Mary South Side (3-10) on May 14 to end its regular season.

ORAN 6, SIKESTON 0

Oran 300 002 1 — 6 9 2

Sikeston 000 000 0 — 0 5 5

W—Gabe Dirnberger. L—Jamison Sifford. 2B-Oran: Dirnberger.