Shaky defense spoils Horrell's varsity debut

Sunday, April 14, 2002

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Andrew Horrell made his first varsity start for Chaffee on Friday, taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning against conference rival Cape Central.

But Horrell's debut was spoiled by eight errors on the part of Chaffee's defense. The Tigers went on to win the game 6-3. "Andrew threw a tremendous ballgame," said Chaffee coach Brian Horrell. "He just had very, very shaky defense behind him. It was a tremendous effort for his first varsity start against a very good ballclub. I feel real bad for that kid."

Chaffee led 3-1 at the top of the fifth, but Cape Central took advantage of two errors and tied the score 3-3.

"We've been hit or miss all the way on defense this year," said Horrell. "We made nine errors against Poplar Bluff, then we came back with a couple of good games. Yesterday we were very shaky against Dexter, then today we had eight errors against Cape Central. You just cannot do that in the SEMO Conference. We're finding that out."

The Red Devils made two base running mistakes in he sixth inning that took away two potential runs, then the Tigers added three insurance runs in the seventh.

In 5 2/3 innings of work, Horrell allowed one earned run on three hits and four walks. Zac Horman threw the final 1 1/3 innings, giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk. At the plate, Brent Thomason and Brandon Davis were both 2-for-3. Sam Burnett was 2-for-4. Horrell and Derek Urhahn each contributed one hit.

John Theis pitched the first five innings for Cape Central. Seth Hudson threw the final two frames and got the win.

Chris Conrad led Cape Central's offense, finishing with two hits.

Chaffee (5-4, 3-4) will host Portageville on Monday.

Scott City 12, Delta 2

SCOTT CITY -- Red-hot Scott City won its fifth straight game on Friday, beating a quality Delta team 12-2 in five innings. Staff ace Shana Wadlington was solid on the mound, allowing the two runs on four hits and three walks. She recorded nine strikeouts.

"I was extremely pleased with our hitting and Shana's pitching," said Scott City coach Sally O'Brien. "I was real concerned at first because Delta scored two runs in the first inning, then struck out our first three batters. But we eventually came along with the hitting though."

At the plate, Rachel Noon and Britne Amick paced Scott City's offense with two hits each.

Sidney Baer, Megan Ressel, Amanda O'Brien and Kristin Schaefer each contributed one hit.

"Rachel Noon had a terrific game," said O'Brien. "I was pleased with both her and Britne's production today."

Delta's Sarah Cook was charged with the loss. Rebecca Cook had two hits for the Lady Bobcats. Tiffany Johnson and Ashley Elliott each had one.

Scott City (5-2-1) will host NMCC on Tuesday in a battle of two of the area's better softball teams.

"I like our chances, but we've just got to make sure we hit," said O'Brien. "Last year we couldn't hit the Robey girl at all. Hopefully we can this year."

NMCC vs. Caruthersville

CARUTHERSVILLE -- New Madrid County Central swept Caruthersville in a double header Friday, winning the first game 9-3 and the second 22-1.

Karrah Tanner pitched all five innings of the first game. She allowed one hit and five walks with four strikeouts.

At the plate, Ashley Gantner was 2-for-3 with a run scored and Ashley Brittain was 2-for-2 with two runs.

Renita Hamilton, Morgan Hodges, Abby Sexton and Christine Jones each contributed one hit and scored a run. Caruthersville's Russom was charged with the loss. Creakman had the Lady Tigers' only hit.

"Caruthersville is a much-improved team," said NMCC coach Steve Rodgers. "They've only got one senior on the team, so they're looking to the future."

In the second game, NMCC ace Heather Robey allowed her first hit of the season in a dominating 22-1 victory.

The junior standout allowed one unearned run on one hit and one walk with nine strikeouts.

Caruthersville's Creakman was charged with the loss. Bell had the team's only hit.

"It was good to get both of our pitchers some work," said Rogers. "We played everybody we had and the girls were swinging the bats pretty good today."

NMCC (10-0) will host Gideon on Monday at 4 p.m.

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