Peters' dominance fuels Kelly's rout of Sikeston

Ross Peters (8) throws a pitch during Kelly's 16-1 win over Sikeston at VFW Stadium on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Rod Anderson ~ Standard-Democrat

SIKESTON — Kelly used an explosive offensive performance and strong pitching to secure a 16-1 win over Sikeston at VFW Stadium on Monday, March 18.

The Hawks (1-1) racked up 13 hits, led by Kaleb Yount's 4-for-4 game with a double and four RBIs. Dalton Forck contributed a two-run homer in the seventh inning, while Nicholas Christian added three hits and scored two runs.

“Our offense came to life yesterday, even though it was super cold,” said Kelly coach Josh Hopkins. “We had some young guys step up in multiple spots, and [Forck] got the first ‘big fly’ of the season.”

Ross Peters set the tone on the mound for Kelly, allowing only one hit and no earned runs through six innings.

His 13 strikeouts were a key factor in limiting the Bulldogs’ (0-4) offense, with Keane Atkins and Jamison Sifford recording Sikeston's lone hits of the game.

“[Peters] had a great day on the mound,” Hopkins added.

Kelly will be tested in its next matchup, traveling to East Prairie (2-2) on Thursday, March 21 for an important Scott-Mississippi Conference contest. Meanwhile, Sikeston faces a tough road challenge against Scott City (3-0) on Saturday, March 23.

KELLY 16, SIKESTON 1

W—Ross Peter. L—Peyton Mitchell. 2B—Kelly: Jett Hull, Kaleb Yount, Michael Dollins, Ross Peters. HR—Kelly: Dalton Forck.