Wildcats go 3-2 on the week
Photo by Katey Wesley
Kale Cook went 5-2/3 innings against Iberia, allowing one unearned run and striking out eight.
By Coach Cole Roark
In a week packed with action, the Licking Wildcats managed to put up three wins in a tough week full of road trips and one big win at home.
LICKING 9, RICHLAND 4
RICHLAND, Mo. – On Monday evening, April 7, the Cats traveled to Richland to take on the Bears. Gametime was delayed because of the rain over the weekend, and on a cold night the Wildcats held tough against the elements and survived some errors to win 9-4.
Three freshman pitchers handled the Bears lineup, with Parker Huff getting the start and the victory on the mound. Colin Kuhn and Logan Buckner followed in relief. Combined, the freshmen gave up no earned runs and struck out 13 in the seven inning contest, while wriggling out of some defensive miscues to hold onto the lead and secure the victory. Offensively the Wildcats were bolstered by Kannon Buckner with three RBIs and Jett Sullins with two RBIs. Seven Wildcats tallied a hit in the game, including Jason Ingram with two.
LICKING 17, CABOOL 0
CABOOL, Mo. – Tuesday saw Class 3 District 9 opponents face off at Cabool.
The Wildcats came out swinging with a seven-run first inning, and didn’t stop there. Six runs in the second, followed by four runs in the fourth inning secured the shortened game victory, 17-0.
Isaac Rinne got the start on the mound for Licking, and threw the CG shutout, allowing one hit and striking out two. The offensive output was paced by patience, as Licking drew 13 walks in the game, while collecting nine hits. They only struck out one time on the offensive side of the ball.
CALIFORNIA 6, LICKING 4
CALIFORNIA, Mo. – After a day off on Wednesday, the ’Cats headed north to California, Missouri, to take on the Class 4 Pintos. The Pintos were defending their 5-2 record, where they had scored over ten runs a game against their previous opponents.
On a windy and cold evening, the Pintos were able to hit two different two-run homers, to seal the victory. Despite three hits (two doubles) and two RBIs from Kannon Buckner, Licking just couldn’t do enough to catch up to the Pintos. The Wildcats fought hard, getting the tying run to first base in the final frame, but were not able to force the issue. The game ended 6-4 in favor of California, giving Licking their second loss of the season.
LICKING 2, IBERIA 1
LICKING, Mo. – The big match of the week was familiar conference rival Iberia Rangers. The Rangers, defending state champs and ranked #1 this year in Class 2, came down for Licking’s home opener.
In a true pitcher’s duel, the Wildcats and Rangers exchanged strikeout for strikeout as two lefties went to battle on the mound.
Deadlocked through five innings, Licking surrendered a run to go down 1-0 in the top of the sixth. In the bottom, Licking answered back with two runs of their own, starting with a leadoff single from Conway Adey. A single and an error led to Conway Adey scoring with one out, followed by a stolen base and a fielder’s choice from Cole McCloy to score Karson Walker, giving the ’Cats the lead.
Kale Cook went 5-2/3 innings for Licking, allowing one unearned run and striking out eight. Kannon Buckner took the ball in relief, allowing no hits and striking out three in 1-1/3 innings of work. Tanner Patterson for Iberia went the distance for Iberia, allowing two runs, one earned, while striking out 11.
FAIR GROVE 12, LICKING 2
FAIR GROVE, Mo. – Saturday was another road trip to Class 3 Fair Grove for a 1 p.m. matchup against the state ranked Eagles.
Jordan Ritz went four strong innings on the mound and produced at the plate with a two-run homerun, his first of the year.
Tied 2-2 in the fifth inning, the wheels fell off for the Wildcats. Fair Grove managed to score ten runs in the bottom of the inning to invoke the mercy rule and end the game.
The score was ugly, but the Wildcats played well up until that point. They resume action on April 15, a Tuesday, against Mountain Grove at home, start time 5 p.m.
