C5D1: Underdog Sikeston battles, but falls to state-ranked Festus

Sikeston’s Luke Gadberry (4) makes a throw after tagging a runner out at home plate during a 6-0 loss to Oran at VFW Stadium on Wednesday, May 1.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

FESTUS, Mo. — Sikeston’s 2024 campaign came to an end in a high-scoring affair, falling 11-6 to No. 5 Festus in the first round of the MSHSAA Class 5, District 1 Tournament on Wednesday, May 15.

Despite being the eighth seed, the Bulldogs (4-19) showed grit and determination, battling the top-seeded Tigers (23-7) throughout the contest.

Festus drew first blood in the opening inning, grabbing a 1-0 lead. Sikeston answered promptly in the top of the second, as Conner Michael's RBI single plated Pierce Baker to knot the game at 1-1. However, the Tigers reclaimed the advantage in the bottom half of the frame.

The Bulldogs battled back again in the third, tying the game at 2-2 on Barrett Stokes' RBI double. But the wheels came off the tracks in the bottom of the third, as Festus erupted for six runs, seizing an 8-2 lead.

Sikeston refused to roll over, narrowing the deficit to 8-3 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Peyton Mitchell.

Yet, each time the Bulldogs attempted to mount a rally, Festus responded with a devastating counterpunch, extending their lead to 11-3 in the fifth.

Luke Gadberry provided a late spark for Sikeston with a triple in the seventh, scoring two runs, and Barrett Stokes followed with an RBI single to make it 11-6.

However, the Bulldogs' valiant effort ultimately fell short.

The loss marks the end of a promising season for Sikeston, who displayed resilience and fighting spirit throughout the year.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Bulldogs can hold their heads high, knowing they battled until the final out.

FETSUS 11, SIKESTON 6

W—Mason Schirmer. L—Carter Goodman. 2B—Sikeston: Barrett Stokes, Keane Atkins, Luke Gadberry; Festus Jackson Smith, William Reese. 3B—Sikeston: Luke Gadberry.