Ryan Modglin, Scott City

One of the top pitchers in Southeast Missouri last year, Scott City's Ryan Modglin started his senior season on the right foot.

Well, after he hit the first batter in the March 17 opener at Jackson.

Modglin allowed just one hit in 5 1/3 innings and struck out 11 batters as Scott City hung on for a 6-5 victory.

"The plan was I was going to stay around 80 or 85 pitches no matter how good I was doing, no matter how good the team was doing," Modglin said. "We just stuck to that plan because it's early in the season."

Early yes, but Modglin, who had a string of no-hitters in leading the Rams to the district title last year, was still in pretty good form.

"Once you start timing his fastball, he beats you with his split finger, which was amazing tonight," Jackson coach Rob French said.

The Missouri State-bound right-handed hurler, who bats left-handed, also helped his cause with two hits, including a three-run double in the fourth inning.