North Callaway ends explosive California tournament with defensive implosion

In Saturday's Versailles/California Turf War Tournament semifinals, North Callaway defeated California 15-9, scoring seven runs in the fifth inning.

Braydn O’Neal led the offense against the Pintos (9-7) by going 3-for-5 with five RBI, two runs and a triple, Jordan Fishburn followed with three RBI, and Kyle Pennell, Sam Pezold and Matthew Weber each finished with two hits and an RBI. Keaton Bell earned the win in relief by pitching three innings with three earned runs on six hits.

In the championship game against Eldon (13-7), the Thunderbirds lost 13-3 in five innings thanks to nine unearned runs by way of a season-high eight errors. AJ Haubner was credited with allowing 10 runs but three of them were earned in his three innings of five hits and two walks. AJ Siegel and Weber each had an RBI for the offense.

North Callaway (9-5, 6-1 EMO) returns to its Eastern Missouri Conference schedule at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Louisiana (2-11, 0-6 EMO). 

Centralia goes 1-2 in challenging Boonville tournament field

Centralia went 1-2 against competition in Saturday's Boonville Wood Bat Tournament.

The Panthers (5-9) defeated Pilot Grove 5-4 on a walk-off single by Anthony Ford. Tuckyr Pollock struck out five in five innings he started that also saw him allow three runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks.

Against Boonville (6-5), Centralia had 4⅔ innings with eight runs (two earned) from Jack Romine but were limited to three hits in five innings from Shane Chamberlain. Ryan Lepper struck out five Panthers and allowed one hit in 5⅔ innings for South Callaway (9-5 and received votes in latest Class 3 poll), who scored five runs (four earned) on 10 hits allowed in six innings from Mason Presley.

Centralia (1-2 CCC) hosts Clarence Cannon Conference foe Monroe City (2-7, 1-3 CCC) at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Look for the full stories in the Wednesday, April 26, 2023, edition of the Mexico Ledger.