Sikeston wins big over East Carter but falls short at North County

BONNE TERRE, Mo. — Sikeston opened the week on a high note, cruising to a 9-1 victory over East Carter at VFW Stadium on Tuesday, May 9.

The Bulldogs (6-16) all-senior lineup proved to be a winning combination, dominating the Redbirds (12-17) and displaying their mastery of the game.

“[The seniors] have stepped up,” said Sikeston coach Wyatt Pratt. “I was impressed with their play, and they clearly looked forward to that opportunity. We’re going to rely on their leadership come districts.”

Heath Poindexter earned the win after throwing all seven innings and not allowing any earned runs on two hits with 10 strikeouts and three walks.

“[Poindexter] went the distance in that one,” Pratt said. “He was good and had his curveball, fastball and slider working well.”

Sikeston gained a 2-0 after Colt Parker scored on an error and Brice Gordon caught the defense off guard and stole home base.

In the bottom of the third inning, Sikeston widened the lead to 3-0 after Trace Sullivan also managed to steal home base.

Jacob Leavitt singled to score Gordon; Daeton Taylor singled to score Poindexter; Conner Wallace scored on a passed ball; Leavitt scored after a dropped third strike; and Keane Atkins stole home base to extend the lead to 8-0 in the bottom go the fourth inning.

Sikeston added one final run in the bottom of the sixth inning after Carter Crow singled to score Noah Pruitt.

“It was the first game where I saw us have success up and down the lineup,” Pratt said. “Our approach was good all day. We laid off some tough pitches early in the game, and got some good ones to hit later and put up some runs.”

Pruitt, Crow, Gordon, and Poindexter each finished the game with two hits.

Despite their best effort, the Bulldogs weren’t able to generate much offense or carry over the momentum into a 4-0 loss at North County on Wednesday, May 10.

“Offensively, we’re still just looking for that big hit with runners in scoring position,” Pratt said. “However, I thought Noah Pruitt was exceptional on the mound. He went the distance, really pumped strikes and had two pitches going for him. I also think our defense has continued to play well. Our infield today was especially good. They turned a couple of double plays.”

Pruitt pitched six innings, allowing one earned run on four hits with three strikeouts and four walked batters.

Luke Gadberry, Pruitt, Peyton Mitchell and Rush Ault each had a hit, and Wallace, Leavitt and Sullivan each stole a base.

Although the loss to Raiders (9-8) was disappointing, Pratt remains optimistic about the team’s prospects heading into the district tournament.

“I’m tremendously proud of our growth throughout the season,” he said. “We are a much better baseball team. From where we started to where we’re at right now, we’re in a good spot. I told the guys we should come into the district tournament with confidence. Our best baseball is still ahead. We just have to capitalize on some of our opportunities, and I think we can make some noise.”

The Bulldogs will compete in the MSHSAA Class 5, District 1 Tournament at either Windsor High School or Festus High School, beginning Wednesday, May 17.

__SIKESTON 9, EAST CARTER 1__

E. Carter 000 000 1 — 1 2 3

Sikeston 021 501 x — 9 10 2

W—Heath Poindexter. L—Chase Carter. 2B—Sikeston: Noah Pruitt (2), Brice Gordon.

__NORTH COUNTY 4, SIKESTON 0__

Sikeston 000 000 0 — 0 4 1

N. County 000 112 x — 4 4 2

W—Timothy Ekstam Jr. L—Noah Pruitt. 3B—North County: Zane Huff.