Wildcats pounce to a 3-1 start
By Coach Cole Roark
OZARK, Mo. — August 30 and 31 were the season openers for the Licking Wildcats, as they traveled to Ozark Mountain Sports Complex in Ozark, Mo., to start their Fall 2024 campaign. The Wildcats faced four opponents over the two days in Ozark to begin their young season.
In game one, Licking faced the Silo Rebels of Silo, Oklahoma. Senior Kannon Buckner got the start for the Wildcats on the mound, and despite pitching a complete game, run support was hard to come by. Buckner gave up three runs on six scattered hits and one walk. Though he took the loss, the Wildcats looked great behind him as they made 0 errors defensively. Hits were hard to come by, however, and though senior Kale Cook had two knocks, and sophomore Jasper McCloy added one, the Wildcats failed to score. Final score, 3-0, Silo.
Game two was an offensive explosion for Licking, as they faced off against the Exeter Tigers. The final tally was 22-2, as the Wildcats capitalized on some costly mistakes from Exeter. Junior Karson Walker was on the bump for the Wildcats and pitched four innings, allowing two runs on three hits, while tallying three strikeouts. Freshman Logan Buckner pitched the 5th inning, allowing no runs on one hit. There were multiple hit games from multiple Wildcats in the rout, as the team notched 15 hits and were walked eight times.
Game three took us to Saturday action against Southwest Washburn. It was another great performance for Licking as they began to heat up. Kale Cook took the mound and went five innings, allowing one run on four hits, while striking out five. Senior Cole McCloy gave an inning in relief, striking out two in his scoreless inning of work. Offensively, freshman Jett Sullins notched two hits and three RBIs, while collectively the Wildcats had eight hits on the way to their 11-1 victory.
Game four was the nightcap and the finale for the weekend as Licking faced the Crane Pirates. The Wildcats delivered a complete showing, with multiple contributors on their way to a 19-6 victory, including a 13-run top of the 1st inning. Junior Isaac Rinne was the starting pitcher, throwing three innings while allowing two earned runs, and striking out five. Freshman Parker Huff pitched the final two innings of the game. The Wildcats were on fire once again at the plate, with several players notching multiple hit games. Isaac Rinne scored five runs in the victory.
On the weekend, the Wildcats collected 38 hits in the four games, including five doubles and two triples. The running game was also in play, as the Wildcats swiped 14 bases. Defensively, in four games Licking made only one error, while allowing only one stolen base.
