Redbirds work fast to take win No. 20

File photo by Mike Buhler Dunklin County's Andy Lack (left, seen here playing against Charleston earlier this month) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and a stolen base in the Redbirds' 15-2 win over Trenton, Tenn. in the first round of the BankStar of the Bootheel Classic at Steele. [Click to enlarge]

STEELE, Mo. -- The Dunklin County Redbirds did not take long to pick up their 20th win of the season.

The Redbirds put up nine runs in the bottom of the second inning and needed just three innings to dispatch Trenton, Tenn. 15-2 in first-round action at the BankStar of the Bootheel Tournament here Friday.

The Redbirds also won their 20th game of the season, improving to 20-4 with the victory.

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Dunklin County's Dylan Lynn connects on a game-ending two-run double Friday against Trenton, Tenn. at Steele. [Click to enlarge]

"We've had a good start to the season," said Dunklin County coach Aaron New. "Hopefully we'll continue to play pretty good baseball and get better as the season goes on."

Entering the bottom of the second inning tied at 2-2, Dunklin County caught fire, as the first nine batters all reached base and eventually scored to break the game open.

Overall, the Redbirds sent 13 men to the plate in the inning, racking up seven hits and three walks.

"We came out and really swung the bats well early," New said. "We were able to quickly take care of business."

The hot streak continued into the third inning, as all six Dunklin batters reached base and four eventually scored.

Andy Lack singled to lead off the inning, while Patrick Ratliff and Gage Blue each walked to load the bases. Blake Wilbanks then delivered a double to plate Lack and Ratliff and make it a 13-2 game.

After Daniel Lockhert was intentionally walked to re-load the bases, Dylan Lynn added another double to score Blue and Wilbanks, putting in a mercy rule specifically designed for the tournament.

The Redbirds also got solid pitching from Thomas Stillman and Lockhert in Friday's win.

"The pitching was pretty good again today," said New. "Hopefully we'll get another good performance Saturday."

Dunklin County pounded out 12 hits on the day as 10 batters finished with at least one hit. Lack and Trey Bazzell each had a pair of hits to pace the offense.

"Trey is really playing well this summer," New said. "He has really threw the ball well on the mound and his hitting has really come around."

The Redbirds faced Poplar Bluff in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon and will play for either the championship or third place on Saturday.

"We were able to win the tournament last year," said New. "Hopefully we'll play another couple of good games, make the finals and get a chance to win it again."

Notes: With Friday's game, the Redbirds reached the halfway point of their regular season. Dunklin County has played 24 games so far, and has 24 games remaining before district play. ... The District XIV Tournament begins July 8 at Indian Park in Kennett. The Redbirds won the district tournament last summer on a walk-off home run by Heath Horvath.