Semoball

Submitted story: Campbell Little League 9-10 All Stars take second in State

Game one of the Little League Minor Boys State Final Four held in Concordia, Mo. Campbell played LaCoMo east all stars which was the host team of the tournament. This game was played on Friday night July 20th. The plan was to start David Dell on the mound and follow him with Kaden Siebert. Both pitchers were not going to pitch more than 50 pitches in the game so only two days of rest would be required. This would allow both pitchers to return for a potential Championship game Monday night per little league pithing rules. Campbell had to adjust to a tighter than normal strike zone. Dell walked a few and gave up 4 runs in the first. Campbell rallied with 8 runs in the bottom of the first while batting around. Charles Parker reached base twice in the inning with a walk and a hit and Kaden Siebert had two hits in the inning with two RBI's. Dell was able to get one out in the second before being pulled after 48 pitches. Kaden Siebert relieved Dell in the second and would pitch the remaining 2 2/3 innings of the game to get the win. The Cannons would go on to score 7 more runs in the next two innings with the entire lineup hitting and driving in runs. The Cannons would only give up one more run the rest of the way and end the game winning 15-5 after four innings.

Game 2 was played against Joplin South Little League on Saturday July 21st. The Cannons would lose the game 16-6 after battling for five innings. the score was 9-6 for much of the game before Joplin pulled away. Skylar Morrison started the game on the mound and took the loss as he was shook up on a play at the plate early in the game. Jake Vines and Charles Parker also pitched in the game. Several Campbell players recored hits in the game.

Game 3 was played vs Cole County all starts out of Jeff City on Sunday July 22nd and both teams were 1 and 1 coming in to the game. The winner would return Monday night to face Joplin for the State Championship. Jake Hankins was the starting pitcher and set the tone by striking out the side in the top of the first. The Cannons also went quietly in the bottom of the first. Cole County scored 1 run in the top of the second but campbell answered with 5 runs in the bottom of the inning started with hits from Gordon Todd and Blake Fowler. Hankins would allow only 2 more runs over the next two innings for a complete game win. Campbell would score 6 more in the 3rd inning giving them an 11-3 lead heading in to the bottom of the 4th only needing two runs to end the game. Several players reached base including Garrett Henderson, who nearly hit one over the fence before Kaden Siebert hit a bases loaded one out single to right center to score Henderson and end the game 13-3.

The state Championship game vs Joplin Monday July 23rd got off to a scary start when Campbell lead off hitter Charles Parker was hit in the mouth with the first pitch of the game. Parker was very tough as blood was pouring from his mouth. Dalton Vincent had to enter the game for Parker as a pinch runner. The next pitch Kaden Siebert lined a hard hit double down the right field line. However it turns out this would be Campbell's only hit of the game as they stranded runners at second and third to end the inning. David Dell hit a hard linedrive to short later in the game that was the only other hard hit ball by Campbell in the game. The bottom of the first the Cannons seemed to be shell shocked from the top of the inning making several errors and walking some batters. Eventually giving up 10 runs to Joplin in the first. Campbell never recovered eventually losing 14-2 after a couple of runs were walked in by Joplin in the 4th.

The entire Campbell team contributed on this great run to the state finals. Hitting, fielding, and pitching well no matter who was called on. The coaches did a fantastic job as well.

Campbell can return 8 of the 11 players on this team next season as they have only 3 ten year olds. We are all very proud of these young men as second in the state is a great accomplishment.

The players, coaches, parents and park board would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for raising over $ 7,000 to pay for hotel rooms and meals for 5 nights and 6 days.

Campbell American Legion, City of Campbell, Peach Fair Board, Park Board, Campbell Fire Department, JT Moody Farms, Gerald Malin Jr. Farms, Croom Flyiing Service, Delta Bee Company, Express Signs by Rod, Scott Gipson, Siebert Trucking, Grand Avenue Motors of Malden, Paula Todd, C & F Auto Sales, Goodnight Auto Sales, Stracener Brothers Construction, Schueck Steel, Genesis Home Care, Strawberry's BBQ, Rabo, Biggs & Sons Construction, Sun Studio, Ag Xplore, Monsanto, and First Communitty Bank of Campbell.