SportsJune 2, 2023
Portageville showcases grit and determination in MSHSAA Class 3 third-place win over Barstow
OZARK, Mo. — In a game that seems like it would never end, Portageville emerged victorious after 12 grueling innings over Barstow in the 2023 MSHSAA Class 3 third-place at Sky Bacon Stadium in Ozark, Missouri on Thursday, June 1. It was a marathon game as the Bulldogs (35-3) outlasted the Knights (23-8) for a hard-fought 3-2 conquest...
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat
OZARK, Mo. — In a game that seems like it would never end, Portageville emerged victorious after 12 grueling innings over Barstow in the 2023 MSHSAA Class 3 third-place at Sky Bacon Stadium in Ozark, Missouri on Thursday, June 1.
It was a marathon game as the Bulldogs (35-3) outlasted the Knights (23-8) for a hard-fought 3-2 conquest.
“Our depth was tested once again,” said Portageville coach Tyler Trover. “Everyone was exhausted and it was kind of like a heavyweight boxing match. There were times when it looked like both teams were going to be knocked out, but both teams kept fighting. Fortunately, we were the last team left standing.
“It’s our team’s perfect case and point,” he continued. “We have a bunch of grinders, who never gave up or surrendered. These are the types of lessons that will help them in life, working a job and having a family. It’s not always going to be easy.”
Portageville got off to a strong start, taking an early lead with two runs in the bottom of the first inning.
The first run came after some savvy baserunning by Aaron Dunlap, who tagged up and motored home on a deep fly ball. The second run was a result of some defensive miscues, as an error allowed Beau-Hunter Warren to score.
“Barstow kind of handed us two [runs] early with some errors,” Trover said. “They booted it around early, but every time there was a big play that needed to be made as that game progressed, they made it. Even when we tacted balls really hard, they executed and made the plays.
“I don’t think we swung the bats badly today at all,” he continued. “We swung the bat pretty well, hit some balls really hard, and credit Barstow for making plays.”
Barstow tied it in the top of the fourth inning after Werner Kiedel scored after tagging up and Pierce Farinelli singled to score Taylor Lacy.
“We struggled a little bit today,” said Portageville third baseman Conner Johnson. “But we came together as a team and battled through everything. That’s what we have practiced all year. The coaches are constantly hitting me balls in practice, exactly like the ones that were coming at me today. It had me ready for those moments.
“I definitely think the length of today’s game tested us mentally and physically,” Johnson continued. “But those three and four-hour practices had us prepared. That helped a lot.”
Johnson’s timely defensive contributions proved crucial in preventing the Knights from ever taking a lead.
Despite putting themselves in favorable spots to end the game with runners in scoring position in the eighth, ninth and 11th innings, the Bulldogs were not able to capitalize.
“It was frustrating,” Trover said. “But there were some big defensive plays during that stretch. It was a tale of who wasn’t going to let down and let this thing get away from them.”
Although Portageville struggled to convert on some earlier opportunities, the team finally found the breakthrough they had been searching for in the 12th inning thanks to some clutch hitting by Mason Adams and Thomas Frakes.
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With the game still deadlocked at 2-2, Adams stepped up the plate and smashed a double to deep center field, putting himself in scoring position with only one out.
Then, with the pressure, Frakes rose to the occasion and came up with a critical single to drive in Adams for the game-winning run.
“Emotions were so high and it was like a rollercoaster,” said Adams. “We owed it to the community to battle because of all of the support they’ve provided us. It was just amazing. [Frakes] came through when it mattered the most. When I saw the ball tip off their glove, I knew I was going to score and [Frakes] was going to beat it out with his speed. I was just so excited.”
The game-winning hit was not only a pivotal moment for the Bulldogs, but it was also a near-perfect ending to Frakes’ high school career. Frakes has been a standout player throughout his time with the team, and his clutch performance in the game’s final moments was a testament to his skill and experience.
“It was the perfect conclusion for a really good career,” Trover said. “He and the rest of our senior group are some of the most successful athletes to ever grace the halls of Portageville High School.
“He kind of had a hard day yesterday,” Trover continued. “He’ll tell you that he didn’t play his best but he came back today and gave us a chance to win with a quality day on the mound. Then he got the hit that wins the game. Other than winning the state championship, what else could you ask for? He had a walk-off in the last game of his high school career and something he’ll be able to remember forever.”
The team may have had their sights sets on a higher finish, but as the dust settled on the tournament and the player had a moment to reflect, they began to realize the true magnitude of what they had achieved.
“This isn’t first but I’m very proud,” Adams said while motioning to his third-place medal. “Everyone on this team has put so much work into this game. It pays off. It might not have been with a championship but being in the final four, in itself is amazing. I’m just really proud of everybody.”
As the story comes to a close, it’s worth noting some interesting tidbits of information about the Portageville team.
The Bulldogs set the program record for wins in a season, the fifth time Trover has reset this accomplishment since taking over as head coach.
They set the MSHSAA record for having the most batters hit by an opposing pitcher in a season.
Portageville finished the season with 84 batters hit by a pitch, breaking Willard’s record of 72 from 2020.
“It just goes along with the toughness of our team this year,” Trover said. “There was a willingness to put their bodies on the line and do anything to get on base. When a ball is up and in our guys stand in there and take it like men.
“I’m really proud of the group for their toughness,” he concluded. “It didn’t end up the way we wanted, but they’ve set the standard for getting here. We have a big portion of this group coming back next year and that should be fun. We’re going to have the same mindset and goals. Every bit of experience matters, and when you get to experience how amazing of an opportunity it is to play in the final four, it makes you want to work that much harder to experience that again.”
__PORTAGEVILLE 3, BARSTOW 2, F/12__
Barstow 000 200 000 000 — 2 7 5
P’Ville 200 000 000 001 — 3 7 1
W—Beau-Hunter Warren. L—Reece Conaway. 2B—Portageville: Mason Adams.
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