Oran, Kelly try to keep seasons alive

Oran is the only school to participate in the Class 1 final four the past two years.

The Eagles would like to make it three straight, and they begin their final four run at 4 p.m. today in a sectional game against North Pemiscot at Oran. Oran defeated North Pemiscot 3-2 in eight innings last season in the sectional round.

"The kids are really peaking right now. Their confidence is pretty high," Oran coach Mitch Wood said. "We've been here before. These kids get excited this time of year."

While this year's Oran squad sports a different look to its lineup, the results have been nearly the same. Oran improved to 20-3 after a 10-0 rout of Advance in the district finals. The Eagles entered the district finals with a team batting average of .371 to go with an ERA of 2.04.

The Eagles helped their cause against Advance by playing errorless baseball behind starter Matt Seyer. It was a first for the Eagles, who had committed at least one error in every game up to that point.

Wood said while he hopes his team continues to play strong defense, this year's squad has been able to overcome its mistakes.

"You just have to keep plugging away, and hope you're the last one to do things right," he said.

Oran's leading hitter, Seyer, improved his batting average to .506 with a 2-for-3 performance against Advance. Seyer pitched five scoreless innings to improve his ERA to 1.14.

After struggling with North Pemiscot in last year's sectional round, the Eagles hope to avoid an upset this time around. The Eagles defeated North Pemiscot 7-0 earlier this season behind a one-hitter from Seyer, who will throw again today.

Wood said he expects another tough test from North Pemiscot.

"They've been here, too," he said. "They're always ready to play."

Oran is currently ranked No. 3 in the Missouri Baseball Coaches Association poll, while North Pemiscot is unranked.

Class 2

Kelly picked up its first district title since 1998 with a 7-1 win over Charleston in the Class 2 district finals, and the Hawks will try to continue their postseason run at 4 p.m. today with a home sectional matchup against Caruthersville.

"Our guys are excited," said Kelly coach Cory Johnson, whose squad is 11-8. "Every day it's gotten a little closer the guys are more excited. They're playing with a lot of confidence."

Caruthersville (13-5) made its way to the sectional round with a 9-8 win over Hayti.

"It's a team a lot like Charleston from what I've heard," Johnson said. "They hit the ball pretty well."

The Hawks, who have had their share of ups and downs this season, have won their last five games. Ace Trey Simmons pitched the Hawks to victory in the district finals, but he will miss today's game while on his senior trip. Kendal Deason will start for Kelly.

"Kendal is very capable of doing just as well as Trey," Johnson said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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