Kelly survives scare to secure win over Twin Rivers

Kelly's Cecily Hall (30) slides safely into second base during a 13-5 win over Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

BENTON, Mo. — Kelly added another memorable chapter to its season with a 13-5 comeback win over Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 24.

In a game filled with dramatic twists and turns, the Lady Hawks’ (11-6) explosive fourth inning proved decisive in securing the victory against the Lady Royals (4-6), a Class 2, District 1 opponent.

“The girls didn’t get down when we were trailing. They came back by showing a lot of grit and resilience,” said Kelly coach Melanie Heuring. “I like that about this team. They’re very encouraging, uplifting and motivating with each other.”

Kelly's Bella Alfred (8) throws to first base for an out during a 13-5 win over Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The Riley sisters took charge early, with Blaire Riley scoring on an error and Avree Riley adding another run on a ground out, putting Kelly ahead 2-0 in the first inning.

However, Alexis Parson's triple in the bottom of the third inning turned the game around, scoring Addysen Whitlow, Reese Crismon, and Ivy Benson, and giving Twin Rivers a 3-2 lead.

Ashlynn Acre then singled to score Parson, extending the lead to 4-2.

Kelly's Miley Estes (15) throws a pitch during a 13-5 win over Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We didn’t let that one inning get us down and came back together as a team,” said Kelly reliever Miley Estes. “We hit the ball really well so that helped us too.”

Molly Johnson responded with an RBI single and Kelly tied it with Kaylee Still scoring on an error in the bottom of the third inning but it was the fourth inning where the Lady Hawks took flight.

Blaire Riley doubled to score Bella Allfred, and then scored on a single by Molly Johnson, making it 6-4.

Kelly's Avree Riley (1) gets a hit during a 13-5 win over Twin Rivers on Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Avree Riley scored on an error, Still crossed the plate on a passed ball, and Estes capitalized on another error, pushing the score to 9-4.

“We did a good job with our bunting, moving those runners,” Heuring said. “We had a lot of good baserunning today too, capitalizing on some mistakes.”

Another passed ball allowed Cecily Hall and Avree Riley to score in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 11-4.

Marlee Musgraves tried to jumpstart a rally for the Lady Royal with a single that scored Layla Thompkins in the sixth inning.

But the comeback attempt was short-lived and Kelly added two more runs in the bottom of the inning when Madyson Johnson and Gwen Essner scored on an error.

“I liked that everyone in the lineup was producing,” Heuring said. “It was all of them, one through nine, and that’s what we have been stressing the last few weeks.”

Estes was a stabilizing force on the mound after entering the game with the Lady Hawks trailing by a run. Despite the challenging circumstances, she continues to prove she is a reliable and clutch pitcher.

“[Estes] did a great job,” Heuring said. “It’s hard to come in when the team is already down. She kept them on their toes, and off-balance and minimized the damage.”

Estes pitched the final five innings, allowing one earned run on four hits with two strikeouts and one walked batter.

“She trusted her pitches and trusted the defense behind her,” said Molly Johnson. “She used her head. It was a good game.”

Alexis Parson took the loss for Twin Rivers, pitching six innings and allowing five earned runs on 12 hits with six strikeouts and two walked batters. Despite a solid outing, the Lady Royals struggled to contain a powerful offense, as Molly Johnson led the way with a game-high three hits and three RBIs.

“[Molly Johnson] has been really good,” Heuring said. “We moved her to that No. 3 spot in the lineup because she’s been moving a lot of runners and getting a lot of RBIs.”

Kelly travels to Jefferson (6-5) on Wednesday, Sep. 25, hosts St. Puis X (3-10) on Friday, Sep. 27, and both teams will compete in the Doniphan Invitational on Saturday, Sep. 28.

“Our momentum is picking up,” concluded Molly Johnson. “We struggled at the beginning of the season but we’re figuring it out, and we have high hopes for the postseason.”