Sikeston drops Notre Dame for first loss

A two-run sixth by Sikeston gave the visiting Notre Dame baseball team its first loss of the season in a 4-2 defeat Tuesday.

Sikeston jumped to a 2-0 lead after the first inning before Notre Dame starter Blake Urhahn settled down. Urhahn held Sikeston scoreless the next four innings, leaving after the fifth with the score tied at two.

Wayne Essner, Urhahn's relief, struggled to find his stuff early, but unlike Urhahn, Essner was unable to get another inning under his belt to redeem himself. Notre Dame was unable to answer in its half of the seventh after Essner allowed two runs on four hits in the sixth.

"We had some opportunities offensively, we just couldn't cash in," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said.

Blake DeWitt picked up the win for Sikeston, playing in its first game. DeWitt pitched three innings, allowing one run and striking out six. Lance Rhodes pitched the first four innings for Sikeston.

Lee Essner and Matt Wulfers picked up the RBIs for Notre Dame (1-1).

SOFTBALL

Delta 13, Oak Ridge 0

Ashley Elliott was 2-for-3 with a double and 3 RBIs in a five-inning defeat of visiting Oak Ridge in the softball season opener for both teams.

Rebecca Cook pitched all five innings for the win. She struck out five, walked two and gave up a hit.

GIRLS SOCCER

Perryville 2, Poplar Bluff 1

Perryville overcame soggy fields and lightning delays to win its season opener on the road.

The Pirates got a goal from freshman Amber Hacker off an Amber Crites corner kick in the 14th minute. Ashly Hadler scored the game-winning goal in the 32nd minute.

Kate Lowry, making her first varsity start in goal, saved 13 shots to get the win.

-- From staff reports