Kennett baseball books spot in district title game

Staff photo by Dustin Sullivan
Kennett's Andy Lack throws a pitch during the Indians' district tournament semifinal game against Dexter.

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Once again, pitching played a key role for the Indians as starting pitcher Andy Lack put on a great performance on the mound against Dexter. It was his strong pitching and the ability of the Indians to score runs in the clutch moments that led them to a 5-0 victory in Tuesday's district semifinal.

With the win, the Indians will take on the Notre Dame Bulldogs for this year's district title.

Staff photo by Dustin Sullivan
Kennett's Andrew Hooper makes a throw to first base during the Indians' district semifinal game against Dexter.

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"Anytime you get the chance to play for a district championship it's a special thing. Having the opportunity to win championships doesn't come around every year, so when you get there you have to seize that moment and take advantage of it."

The game started out slow with neither team able to put any runs on the board through four innings of play. The positive to this was that Lack was able to completely shut down the Dexter bats. He only allowed three hits in the first four innings while striking out two Bearcat batters.

Staff photo by Dustin Sullivan
Kennett's Thomas Stillman swings at a pitch durint the Indians' district tournament semifinal against Dexter.

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Lack ended up with six strikeouts in the ballgame and only allowed six hits. Lack was in control of his pitches as he didn't walk a single batter in the game.

IThrough the first four innings of play, Kennett put up six hits but was unable to produce any run support for Lack as the Indians struck out eight times during that timespan.

Staff photo by Dustin Sullivan
Kennett's Daniel Lockhert makes a play on defense during the Indians' district semifinal game against Dexter.

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New did say that it was Stillman's hit that relaxed the rest of the team and allowed them to be more agressive at the plate.

"We were facing one heck of a pitcher who did an outstanding job," he said. "Once we were able to get some runs on the board, we were able to relax and play our game."

Although they were unable to score any runs, Dexter did provide some drama and attempt a comeback. Dexter was able to put a guy on base with only one out in the sixth. But with the tying run at the plate, Lack was able to get the batter to hit into a double play that ended the Bearcats' threat.

The Indians scored three more runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend the lead to 5-0. It was RBI hits by Lack, Logan Dollins, and Trey Bazzell that helped add to the Indians' lead.

The Indians finished off the win in the top of the seventh as Lack struck out the side to give his team the win and put them in the championship game. With the victory, the Indians improved their overall record to 17-6.

"It was a great team effort," New said. "Up and down the lineup, guys did what they were supposed to do and when we do that, I feel like we have a chance to beat anybody."

After the game, New shared some words with his team that he hoped would motivate them in the championship against Notre Dame.

"I told them to just come out and be relaxed. I want them to just come out and play the game of their lives and have a lot of fun."

Kennett will send pitcher Trey Bazzell to the mound in the championship, which will be played at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.