AURORA, Mo. — Carl Junction closed out the Kickoff Classic hosted by Aurora High School with a 9-5 win over Duncan, Oklahoma, and a 7-6 loss to Branson on Saturday.
The Bulldogs (2-2) opened the day by scoring nine runs in the first four innings against the Demons on the way to a five-inning win. Branson scored three runs in the second inning to build a lead it would never relinquish.
CARL JUNCTION 9, DUNCAN 6
The Bulldogs used a four-run bottom of the first to rally and added two runs in the second, a run in the third and two more in the fourth while holding off Duncan to earn the opening win.
Hannah Cole started and earned the win after allowing six runs, two earned, on nine hits and two strikeouts in four innings. Kiley Spencer pitched one scoreless inning.
Hannah Cantrell had three hits and three runs scored out of the leadoff spot for CJ, while Madi Olds doubled and tripled on the way to three hits, two RBI and a run scored. Izzie Southern had two hits, including a double, and a team-high three RBI. Ryleigh Palmer had a hit, drove in two and scored a run.
BRANSON 7, CARL JUNCTION 6
Branson broke a 1-1 tie with three runs scoring in the second inning before pushing across three more runs in the fifth and holding off Carl Junction in the last of the fifth to preserve the win.
Dailey earned the win for Branson after allowing five runs, four earned, on eight hits, two walks and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
Spencer took the loss after allowing seven runs, three earned, on five hits, two walks and a strikeout in six innings pitched.
Izzie Southern led Carl Junction at the plate with a 3-for-3 game, including a home run and two doubles. Palmer had two hits and scored two runs, while Cantrell had two hits and scored a run. Olds had a home run and three RBI.
Carl Junction is on the road against Cassville at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
