WEBB CITY, Mo. — A seventh inning rally fell short, and Webb City suffered a 6-4 setback to Grove, Oklahoma, on Monday in a non-conference baseball clash at Chuck Barnes Field.
The Cardinals had the tying runs on-base in the bottom of the seventh, but the hosts were unable to overcome their deficit.
Webb City slipped to 0-2 on the season, while Grove improved to 6-1.
Grove’s Hunter Wall hit a two-run home run to center field in the top of the second inning to give the visitors an early two-run cushion.
The Cardinals plated two runs of their own in the bottom half of the second. Grove couldn’t corral William Hayes’ grounder and Payton Marshall and Landon Johnson both scored on the error to make it 2-2.
The Ridgerunners took a 3-2 lead in the third inning after receiving four straight walks from Webb City starting pitcher Walker Sweet.
Grove added three runs on three hits and two errors in the fifth inning to take a 6-2 lead. In the inning, Dayton Keller hit an RBI single to center before Wall drove in two with double to right.
The Cardinals got a run back in the bottom of the sixth, as Kenley Hood singled and later scored from third on a wild pitch.
Webb City made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh, as Hayes walked, McQuade Eilenstein singled and Hood was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs.
Next, Shaun Hunt drew a walk to drive in a run, cutting the team’s deficit to two. But Grove recorded a strikeout to end the game.
Hood had two hits for the Cardinals, while Eilenstein and Gage Chapman added one hit apiece.
A senior right-hander, Sweet went 2 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on one hit and six walks. He struck out three and took the loss.
Brett Korth struck out five and gave up one earned run in 2 2/3 innings in relief. He allowed three hits.
Drew Vonder Haar tossed two scoreless innings. He did not allow a hit, walked one and fanned three.
James Wise earned the pitching victory for Grove. The southpaw went 5 1/3 innings and surrendered three runs on three hits while striking out nine and walking four.
Hayden Chandler pitched the final 1 2/3 innings, giving up one run on one hit and two walks while striking out two.
Wall drove in four runs on two hits for the Ridgerunners.
DISTRICT ASSIGNMENT
Webb City has been assigned to Class 5 District 7 with Belton, Bolivar, Carl Junction, Grandview, McDonald County, Ruskin and Warrensburg.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Webb City travels to Branson on Tuesday for a non-conference contest.
The Cardinals will also compete at the Willard Tournament on Thursday and Saturday. Webb City will take on Glendale on Thursday before games with Jackson and Rock Bridge on Saturday.
