Walkaway: Tribe draws 16 walks to roll past Hayti

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Kennett's Billy Fender watches a pitch go high during Monday's Bootheel Conference baseball game at Hayti. Kennett drew 16 walks off of Hayti pitchers in a 19-3 rout on Monday. [Click to enlarge]

HAYTI, Mo. -- The Kennett Indians needed just a little patience -- almost literally -- to defeat Hayti on Monday.

The Tribe managed just seven hits but drew 16 walks off of Hayti pitchers to roll to a 19-3 win here in a Bootheel Conference contest.

"Getting baserunners is part of our offense," Kennett coach Aaron New said afterwards. "Today we were able to get quite a few baserunners."

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Kennett's Andy Lack connects with a pitch during Monday's Bootheel Conference baseball game at Hayti. [Click to enlarge]

In other area baseball action, it was Holcomb 11, North Pemiscot 8; and Campbell 6, Senath-Hornersville 1.

In girls soccer, it was Jonesboro, Ark. 8, Kennett 1.

At Hayti, Kennett (2-1, 1-0 Bootheel) put the game out of reach with a 10-run fourth inning -- an inning where the Tribe managed just one hit but drew nine walks and had a runner reach on an error.

"We are off to a good start in the Bootheel Conference," said New, "but we've still got some big games left. Hopefully we will take care of business in the rest of our conference games."

The game was close early, as Hayti (0-1, 0-1) trailed just 3-2 after the first inning after turning three walks and a pair of hit batsmen into a pair of early runs.

But from there, Kennett regrouped, as Corey Henfling and Payte Harris combined on a three-hitter and for 10 strikeouts.

"Corey did a good job after the first inning," New said. "Payte Harris came in and did an outstanding job in relief. I'm excited to get good pitching again today."

In three games this season, the Tribe's hurlers have combined for an earned-run average under 2.50.

"Hopefully our pitching will continue to progress as the season goes along," said New. "We've been really pleased how as a staff that we've thrown the ball this year. Hopefully we will continue to improve as the year goes on."

Kennett hosts SEMO Conference foe Cape Girardeau-Notre Dame on Thursday at Indian Park.

Campbell 6, Senath-H'ville 1
At Senath, the visiting Camels got a three-run homer from Cale Weeks in a four-run sixth inning to break open a close game and spoil the Lions' season opener.

Kyle Matthews was dominant on the mound for Campbell (1-1) throwing six innings of three-hit ball while striking out six and walking one.

Joe Campbell had three hits for the Camels, while Weeks drove in five of the team's six runs and finished 2-for-4.

Dustin Hunter started for Senath-Hornersville but got a no-decision despite striking out seven in four innings of one-run ball. Matt Fouts took the loss in relief.

Holcomb 11, North Pemiscot 8
At Wardell, the visiting Hornets built up an 11-2 lead after five innings, then held off a Mustangs rally to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Chad Adams went all seven innings for the win, while Michael Gilboe took the loss for North Pemiscot.

Holcomb had 11 hits on the day, as Shane McElwrath, Corbin Clark, Brice Wyrick, and Justin Elder all had multi-hit games.

Girls Soccer
Jonesboro 8, Kennett 1
At Indian Park, the Lady Hurricane scored five second-half goals to roll past the Lady Tribe.

"They were extremely fast," Kennett coach Rick Bell said. "They handled the ball well. What can you say? We got beat 8-1."

Kennett (1-1) trailed 3-0 at the break before Yiota Panousis opened the second-half scoring to cut the margin to 3-1 before the wheels came off.

"They had some depth," said Bell. "They were a little younger this year and had quite a few freshmen out -- but their freshmen were pretty good."

The Lady Indians travel to Valley View in Jonesboro today before coming home to take on St. Vincent Wednesday at 4 p.m. in a varsity-only contest.

"I thought we had an off night (Monday)," Bell said. "I think we'll be better (Tuesday)."