Scoring frenzy seals Oran’s victory over Leopold in district opener

ORAN, Mo. — The Oran softball team got off to a strong start to the MSHSAA Class 1, District 1 Tournament with a 12-2 victory over Leopold on Thursday, May 4 at Oran High School.

The Lady Eagles (18-7) dominant win over the Wildcats (2-10) was highlighted by a nine-run sixth inning that inflicted the rule run.

“We were over-aggressive and swinging at a lot of bad pitches,” said Oran coach Jim Eftink. “We didn’t get our offense going into the sixth inning when we finally put the game away. Leopold’s pitcher [Piper] Lincoln had us pretty baffled for most of the game.”

Oran led 2-0 after scoring one run in the first and second innings. Those runs came after Bralynn Morgan scored on a fielder’s choice by Kendall Burger and Ava Forehand scored on an error.

Leopold evened the score at 2-2 by crossing the plate in both the fourth and fifth innings.

However, the Lady Eagles regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Sophie Bryeans scored on a passed ball.

“Leopold came ready to play,” Eftink said. “Their outfielders made some nice running catches and they were solid on the infield.”

Oran’s nine runs in the sixth inning came after Caroline Brashears tripled to score Knotts, Dalaini Bryant and Forehand; Brashears scored on a passed ball; Burger singled to score Bryeans; Mari Fuemmeler scored by fielder’s choice; Knotts singled to Burger and Molly Spane; and Bryant singled and Knotts scored on the throw.

“The biggest hit of the day came in when Caroline Beshear tripled with the bases loaded,” Eftink said. “That hit into the left field corner cleared the bases and sealed the deal for us.”

Knotts earned the win after pitching all six innings. She didn’t allow any earned runs on four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Piper Lincoln took the loss after throwing 5.2 innings and giving up four earned runs on 10 hits with nine strikeouts and three walks.

Oran, the No. 2 seed, will face third-seeded Advance with Bell City (14-5) in the semifinals on Monday, May 8 at Westfield Park in Advance, Missouri.

__ORAN 12, LEOPOLD 2__

Leopold 000 110 x — 2 4 3

Oran 110 019 x — 12 10 1

W—Lily Knotts. L—Piper Lincoln. 2B—Leopold: Maci Menninger; Oran: Caroline Brashears, Bralynn Morgan. 3B—Oran: Molly Spane, Knotts.