Marceline Wins Quarterfinal Pitcher’s Dual Over Clark County

The Marceline Lady Tigers used a fast offensive start and solid defense behind pitcher Cassi Rodgers to defeat Clark County 3-1 in a Class 2 Quarterfinal in Kahoka Wednesday night. Ireland Bloss allowed Marceline to strike first in the first inning.

Colin Schowe with the call on 99.9 The Captain and centralmoinfo.com of Bloss’ sixth home run of the season. After an RBI single by Emmy Smithhisler Bloss would add one of her own in the third inning to up the lead to 3-0. Clark County’s lone run came on an RBI double by Ally Fox in the fifth. Marceline coach Todd Lowther said Bloss was a key factor in the win.

After committing five errors last season in a quarterfinal loss to Monroe City, the Lady Tigers played error-free softball. Meanwhile, Rodgers went the full seven innings while allowing one run on five hits and two walks. Rodgers registered three strikeouts in the victory. Lowther said it was a solid defensive effort all around.

Clark County battled throughout the night with senior starting pitcher Alexis Ellison holding the Lady Tigers to three runs on eight hits. Ellison also struckout seven Marceline hitters over six innings of work. Clark County coach Shaun Parker said Ellison was terrific against a formidable offense.

The Lady Indians were playing in the state playoffs for the first time since 1998 after winning last week’s district tournament as a four seed. They graduate six seniors from this year’s squad. Parker reflected on his senior class.

Clark County finishes the year at 12-15. Marceline improves to 26-3-1 and will make their second-ever appearance in the Class 2 Semifinals when they face New Bloomfield in Springfield next Friday at noon. You can hear full interviews with both coaches online at centralmoinfo.com

Marceline coach Todd Lowther

Clark County coach Shaun Parker