Risco baseball team shuts out Gideon on the road

GIDEON – The Gideon Bulldogs took one on the chin Thursday as the Risco Tigers blanked the Bulldogs 15-0 in a brief, three inning game at home.

It was the Bulldog's second game of a double header that found Gideon defeating rival Clarkton 5-4 in the first matchup.

In the second game's opening series, Gideon pitcher Brayden Knapp walked lead-off Risco batter Kadin Carlisle, who subsequently stole second during Knapp's first pitch to Aaron Denson.

Denson was hit by the pitch to place runners on first and second bases, just before Landon Baker smacked a base hit to left center and scored Carlisle.

Risco's Sammy Smith knocked a grounder to Bulldogs shortstop Mason Evans for a base hit that loaded the bases for Noah Burnett, who blasted a base hit to left center and drove in Denson to bring the score to 2-0 Risco.

Adrian Ochoa swatted a short shot to Knapp, who threw out Baker at home followed by Tiger Mason Evans' hit to center that chalked up another Tiger RBI and brought the score to 3-0 Risco.

Burnett, Nate Lewis, CJ Blankenship, Connor Bobo and Kadin Carlisle, again, all crossed home plate before the end of the inning which led to a 9-0 score in favor of the Tigers.

Risco coach Brandon Blankenship said his team was prepared for just about anything to happen on the field.

"We just came in hitting from the start," Blankenship said. "Sometimes that's been a problem for us, not hitting the ball as well as we think we should.”

Gideon batter Drake Grissom swings at a pitch Thursday at Gideon.Steve Hankins, Delta Dunklin Democrat

Despite Gideon's best efforts and base hits by Landon Weaver, Brayden Knapp, Hayden Lacewell and a Drake Grissom walk that loaded the bases, the Bulldogs couldn't capitalize and the score remained 9-0 to begin the second inning.

The Tigers continued their hitting streak and outscored the Bulldogs again in the second inning.

Risco pitcher Kyle Albritton secured three quick strikeouts to begin the third inning with Risco leading Gideon 14-0.

Risco's Adam Ludwig prepares for a pitch Thursday at Gideon.Steve Hankins, Delta Dunklin Democrat

A series of errors and wild pitches marked the top of the third inning with Lacewell on the mound subbing for Knapp, who took over at catcher.

Risco's Carlos Vargas was hit by a pitch, walked and brought Eli Rodgers home for the Tigers' 15th run.

Gideon failed to score in the bottom of the third and the game was called on count.

"Today we came out and kinda jumped on them early," Blankenship said. "So we did good from an offensive standpoint today. We feel like our program is in a position where we should be doing well. We're 11-12. Out of those 12 losses we have about seven that are one-run losses to some good opponents, too."

Risco's next game is scheduled Friday at home against Bell City. The Bulldogs play Tuesday at Delta.