Ed.note: Writer Jeff Profitt is a member of the Fastpitchwest Forum.
From the Du Quoin Evening Call
Elkville, Kelso Split Fastpitch Opener
By Jeff Profitt/American News Service
Elkville pitcher Les Wood struck out eight batters in a one-hitter Sunday. Jeff Profitt photo.
Les Wood carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning Sunday afternoon, eventually settling for a one-hitter as Elkville Fastpitch defeated Kelso, Mo. 3-1 in the season opening game for both squads.
The Southeast Missouri squad held on to win game two, 6-5.
Elkville gave Wood plenty of cushion in the third inning, touching Kelso ace Tommy Jansen for all three of its runs.
Waylon Leonard and Lance Bedar singled with Leonard scoring on Drew Porter’s RBI double. Barry Maynor then chased Bedar and Leonard to the plate with a two-run single.
Elkville had nine hits in the victory with Leonard going 2-for-3.
Shawn Hunter and Greg Winchester also hit safely.
Wood struck out eight and walked four.
Kelso made an early two-run edge stand up in game two, holding back a late rally by the host team.
Ahead 6-1 in the fifth, Kelso surrendered two runs on RBI hits from Porter and Maynor.
The lead sliced to 6-5 in the sixth following a pair of Kelso errors. Elkville, however, could get no closer.
Mike Goldman and Troy Downen handled the pitching duties.
At the plate, Maynor and Porter each had two hits. Trent Tuthill tripled.
Elkville begins play in the Southern Illinois Fastpitch League Wednesday.
Elkville Fastpitch 3,
Kelso, Mo. 1
Kelso 000 001 0-1 1 0
Elkville 003 000 x-3 8 1
WP-Wood, 1-0. LP-Jansen. TOP HITTERS-Elkville: Leonard 2-3, Bedar 1-3, A. Hunter 1-3, S. Hunter 1-3 (2B), Porter 1-3 (2B, RBI), Maynor 1-3 (2 RBI), Winchester 1-3.
Kelso 6, Elkville 5
Kelso 110 040 0-6 8 4
Elkville 000 122 0-5 9 0
WP-Ressel. LP-Goldman, 0-1. TOP HITTERS-Yates 1-2, Porter 2-4 (RBI), Maynor 2-2 (3B, 2 RBI), S. Hunter 1-4, Tuthill 1-4 (3B), Funk 1-3 (RBI). RECORDS-Kelso 1-1, Elkville 1-1.