Sikeston claims Regional; heads to World Series
BOONVILLE -- The Sikeston 10-year-old All-Stars pounded scored 12 runs on 10 hits and routed North Platte, Neb., 12-2 in the championship game of the Midwest Plains Regional on Monday held in Boonville.
Sikeston gave up two runs in the top of the first when Benny Brockmoller and Kade Wroot reached on an error and a walk. Kyle Zimbelman then drove in both runners with an RBI-single, giving Nebraska a 2-0 lead.
That would be the only hit Sikeston pitcher Jarred Sandlin would surrender however as he pitched a complete game, striking out 10 and walking only two.
While Sandlin was keeping the Nebraska bats at bay, Sikeston got the offense going plating three runs in the bottom of the first.
Austin Branch and Sandlin hit back-to-back doubles followed by singles from Will Pratt and Will Gilmer to give the Sikeston 10s a 3-2 lead.
Sikeston added on to the lead in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs. Zach Watkins led off the inning by reaching on an error followed by a triple to deep center by Bryce Bays, scoring Watkins. After Bays scored on a wild pitch, Branch and Sandlin hit back-to-back singles, with Branch scoring on an error. After an infield single by Gilmer, Sandlin scored on a passed ball putting Sikeston ahead 8-2.
Sikeston added another run in the bottom of the third when Justus Faulkner reached on a walk and later scored on a wild pitch.
Sikeston then ended the game with the mercy rule in the bottom of the fourth scoring three runs with help from singles from Sandlin and Fred Thatch.
Gilmer, who had reached on a walk, scored the final run of the game on a wild pitch, giving Sikeston the Midwest Plains Regional Championship and sending the squad to the World Series.
Besides earning the win on the mound, Sandlin was 3-for-3 with a double at the plate. Branch finished 2-for-3 while Gilmer was 2-for-2. Bays, Thatch and Pratt collected one hit apiece.
With the win, the Sikeston 10s advance to the 10-year-old Cal Ripken World Series that will take place on Aug. 13-20 in Ocala, Fla. More on the Sikeston 10s can be found in future editions of the Standard Democrat.