Big third inning propels Redettes past E-B

By ROGER THOMAS, Courier correspondent

EDDYVILLE — The Centerville Redettes used two Eddyville-Blakesburg errors and seven hits to score eight third-inning runs, then coasted to a 10-0 five-inning win in SCC conference action Thursday night in Eddyville.

Both teams went down in order in the first before the visitors opened the scoring with two second-inning runs. The Redettes started the inning with four consecutive singles — the third from catcher Kaylee Mehrhoff — to drive in the game’s first run. One batter later, Kate Appler drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the second run. The inning could have been worse if not for the double play started by Rocket third baseman, Jessica Enlow. Enlow would catch a line shot and step on third to double up the runner.

Centerville would break the game open in the third. Kristin Spurgeon and Danielle Barger led off the third with consecutive doubles. The next three Redette runs were unearned as the Rockets committed their only two errørs øf the game.

Mehrhoff doubled off the base of the fence in left for her second RBI of the night.

”When I catch I really get zoned into the game. I think that helps me concentrate as a hitter,” said Mehrhoff.

Appler, Emily Hawk, and Maddy Oden had consecutive hits to drive in runs. Oden’s hit made sure that each Redette starter had at least one hit for the game. Two batters later Barger’s single plated runs nine and ten.

Barger, who had two hits and three RBIs, talked about her game.

“The last couple of games my hitting has come around. I just concentrated on hitting a strike,” she said.

Centerville would go down in order in the fourth and fifth.

Redette head coach Mike Miller talked about the last two innings,

“I was a little disappointed that we didn’t keep the pressure on to finish the game.” he said.

E-B managed to touch Redette starting pitcher Kristin Spurgeon for four hits but only threatened in the second. Kelly Lane and Ashley Conrad singled but Spurgeon struck out the final two hitters to complete striking out the side. Spurgeon had all five of her strikeouts in the first two innings. The Redette defense took care of the rest.

“Our strength is our defense. We are strong up the middle and we have a good pitcher,” commented Miller.

The two young teams combined to have only two seniors on the field. Centerville, with a little more varsity experience and both of the seniors that played, goes to 20-12 with the win. The Redettes are back in action Monday as they host Clarke.

E-B head coach Shellee Shafer talked about her team’s summer.

“We are still working and learning to be a good varsity team. We have already more than doubled our win total from last year,” she said. The 13-18 Rockets are also back in action Monday night as they host Chariton.

Centerville 10, E-B 0 5 innings

Cent 028 00 — 10 11 1

E-B 000 00 — 0 4 2

Centerville battery — Spurgeon (WP) (5IP, 4H, 0R, 0ER, 5K, 1BB), Mehrhoff catching.

2B — Spurgeon, Barger, Mehrhoff, Hawk.

Hits — Maddy Oden 1-for-4, Spurgeon 1-for-3,Barger 2-for-3, Olivia Starvecich 1-for-3, Mallory Oden 1-for-3, Mehrhoff 2-for-3, Kelsey Moore 1-for-3, Appler 1-for-2, Hawk 1-for-3.

RBI — Maddy Oden, Barger 3, Mehrhoff 2, Appler 2, Hawk. Runs — Maddy Oden, Jessica Demry, Barger, Starcevich, Mallory Oden 2, Makenna Pershy, Moore, Appler, Hawk.

Eddyville-Blakesburg battery — Allison Koebke (LP) (5IP, 11H, 10R, 6ER, 1K, 2BB), Megan McDonough catching.

Hits — McDonough 1-for-3, Kelly Lane 1-for-1, Conrad 2-for-2.