By Ethan Silverman
Missouri Scouting Director 

In the first Class 3 semi-final game, Springfield Catholic RHP Matthew Tipton shut down and shut out a New Madrid Central offense that had been on roll since the postseason began. Tipton threw a three hitter and struck out eight while showing good command of the strike zone.

The game was scoreless until the top of the third. Leadoff hitter Brayton Ballenger reached on a fielder’s choice groundout and proceeded to steal second. Ballenger showed great speed when he came around to score on an error by the New Madrid second baseman, giving Catholic a 1-0 lead. 

The Fighting Irish would push another run across the board in the fourth. Daniel Richardson struck out, but reached base when the New Madrid catcher dropped the third strike. That came back to haunt New Madrid when Richardson came around to score on a RBI single off the bat of Tyler Ast, putting Catholic up 2-0. 

In the sixth inning, a leadoff walk to Robby Ruzicka, followed by a single by Richardson would put runners on the corners. Drew Rash’s fly ball was deep enough for a sacrifice fly to score Ruzicka and give Catholic a 3-0 advantage. 

The game seemingly in hand with the pitching of Tipton and stellar defense behind him, the Fighting Irish scored two more in the top of the seventh, and put the game away. 

New Madrid Central starter, Jashawn McDaniel shined in the loss. His fastball sat 83-86, and allowed only four hits.

 

Hallsville 2   Fatima 1 (game suspended in the 7th inning) 
In the other semi-final game, Hallsville holds a 2-1 lead over Fatima in the bottom of the seventh inning, with a runner on third and one out. This game has been suspended, and weather permitting, will continue tomorrow morning at 9:30am.