Poplar Bluff eliminates Central

The Tigers' four-year streak of district titles came to an end with a 4-3 semifinal loss.

Central softball's four-year reign on the Class 4 District 1 title came to an end Thursday night with a 4-3 semifinal loss to Poplar Bluff at Jackson.

The sixth-seeded Tigers, featuring only two seniors, ended the season 8-18. Second-seeded Poplar Bluff will move on to Saturday's championship game against top-seeded Hillsboro.

"We came a long way this season," Central coach Amy Blattel said. "We came out early on this year committing tons of errors and not hitting the ball, and then we play a game like this at the end of the season. It speaks volumes for these girls."

Both teams had their share of baserunners despite only six hits in the game, three from each side.

Central struck first, getting a runner on after an error from the shortstop. Kara Crawford stole second, reached third on a sacrifice and scored on a single from Susie Edwards.

Central's lead did not last long, as Poplar Bluff scored a pair of runs in the bottom half of the first. Central starter Callie Hoffman loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batter, then was yanked in favor of Kelsy Holloway.

Holloway's first four pitches all missed the mark, giving the Mules their first run. Poplar Bluff scored another run on a wild pitch, before Holloway came back with a pair of strikeouts to get out of further damage.

Poplar Bluff coach Lisa Nippe said she tries to stress patience at the plate.

"You don't want to go up there hacking away if you have a chance to draw some walks," she said.

Central clawed back into the game, adding a run off a hit in the third. Erica Schabbing drew a two-out walk, stole second and reached third on a wild pitch. Once again, Edwards picked up an RBI with a single.

Poplar Bluff answered with an unearned run to take a 3-2 lead, but the Tigers came back with another run to tie it in the fourth. Kate Mothershead led off with a triple and scored on a wild pitch.

"To come out as the No. 6 seed and play the No. 2 seed as hard as that, you can't ask for more," Blattel said.

Central had a shot to take the lead in the seventh, but a baserunning mistake cost the Tigers. Jami Lester reached on an error to start the inning and made it to third with a wild pitch and a stolen base. Courtney Schuessler came up with one out and hit a line drive to left field which was caught. The left fielder was able to double up Lester, who did not tag.

"I figured the girl would go to tag up and there would be a play at the plate," Nippe said.

Bluff carried its momentum to the bottom of the seventh, putting runners on second and third with one out. Kristen Hayes ended the game with a single through the left side of the infield.

Kristen Ploetze pitched all seven innings for the win. She struck out eight and walked two.

"That's not the best game Kristen's pitched," Nippe said, "but she got better as the game went on."

Poplar Bluff 4, Central 3

Central 101 100 0 -- 3 3 1

Poplar Bluff 201 000 1 -- 4 3 2

WP -- Kristen Ploetze. LP -- Kelsy Holloway. 3B --Kate Mothershead (C). Multiple hits -- Central, Susie Edwards 2-3. Records -- Central 8-18.