Neelyville's September Preslar earns 700th strikeout in 13-0 win at Sikeston

Neelyville's September Preslar (2) throws a strike during a 13-0 win over Sikeston at Sports Complex on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Neelyville ace September Preslar reached a historic milestone, striking out her 700th career batter in a 13-0 victory over Sikeston at the Sports Complex on Tuesday, Sep. 24. 

The Lady Tigers' (11-1) senior hurler pitched a complete game in the win over the Lady Bulldogs (2-12), allowing just one hit and striking out 10 in the five-inning rout.

“It felt pretty amazing to accomplish one of my goals and to have a team that’s supported me through all of it,” Preslar said.

Sikeston coaches Wyatt Pratt and Elizabeth Gilmore talk with Cambree Scott (9) between innings of a 13-0 loss to Neelyville on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

In the first inning, Anna Lack scored on an error, setting the stage for Dixie Cloud's single that brought in Jade Crosswhite, giving Neelyville an early 2-0 lead. 

The momentum continued in the second inning with Mallory Dickens' single scoring both Preslar and Moah Martin. Crosswhite then singled to score Dickens, and Lack crossed home plate, extending the lead to 6-0.

Neelyville's offensive onslaught persisted in the third inning with Moss and Martin scoring to push the lead to 8-0. The fourth inning saw Crosswhite scoring on a passed ball, Parker Ernst capitalizing on an error, and Preslar singling to bring Moss home, making it 11-0.

Sikeston coach Wyatt Pratt offers some encouragement to Lily Robbins (1) during a 13-0 loss to Neelyville at the Sports Complex on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The final runs came in the fifth inning when Reese Dobbins tripled to score Crosswhite, and Dobbins scored on a passed ball.

“We put runs up every inning and kept a positive attitude throughout the entire game,” Preslar said. 

Despite the final score, the Lady Bulldogs showed flashes of solid play, particularly in the field. Sophomore third baseman Karlie Faire, sophomore shortstop Alexa Lee, and junior second baseman Hayden Alfonso all made multiple impressive infield assists, showcasing defensive skills.

Lee provided the team’s lone hit, demonstrating some offensive spark amidst Preslar’s dominant performance. 

Sikeston hosts Chaffee (15-3) on Thursday, Sep. 26, and will compete in the Doniphan Invitational this weekend. 

Neelyville will travel to Doniphan (7-5) on Thursday, Sep. 26, and take on Kelly (11-6) in the opening round of the Doniphan Invitational on Saturday, Sep. 28.