CANTON, Mo. - Scotland County rallied for a sixth-inning lead, but Canton answered with runs in each of its final two innings to claim a 3-2 walk-off victory Thursday at Cotton Bowl Field. Chayse Uhlmeyer drove in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh, ending a tightly contested pitching battle with district seeding implications.
Canton improved to 8-12, while Scotland County moved to 8-13. Olivia Slater struck out 13 in a complete-game victory for Canton, while Scotland County’s MaKenna Musgrove limited the hosts to three hits in 6? innings.
Canton struck first in the opening inning. Claire Whiston reached on an error and advanced into scoring position before Izzy Baker delivered a two-out RBI single to center field. That gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage that held through the fifth inning as both pitchers worked through scoring threats.
Scotland County had opportunities to answer, including a bases-loaded chance in the fourth. Slater escaped that inning with a strikeout and continued protecting the narrow lead, while Musgrove kept Canton from adding to its total.
The visitors finally broke through in the top of the sixth. Ailea Hayes drew a walk to begin the rally, and Lexi Weber singled to center to bring her home with the tying run. Allie Elenbaas added a single, and Ali Ward followed with a ball that deflected off Slater for an RBI single, scoring Weber to put Scotland County ahead 2-1.
Canton responded in the bottom half. Uhlmeyer walked, stole second and tagged up to third when Elenbaas made a running catch in foul territory on Whiston’s popup. Weber then caught a foul popup for the second out, leaving Scotland County one out away from preserving its lead. Izzy Ruffcorn followed with a ground ball to shortstop and was ruled safe at first, allowing Uhlmeyer to score. The play was credited as an RBI single, tying the game at 2-2.
After Slater retired Scotland County in order in the seventh, Canton put together the winning rally. Peyton Spurgeon drew a leadoff walk, and Lilly Myers singled with one out to put runners at first and second. Slater worked a full-count walk to load the bases for Uhlmeyer.
Uhlmeyer hit a ball back toward the circle that deflected off Musgrove’s glove. Elenbaas recovered it and threw to first for the second out, but Spurgeon crossed the plate with the winning run. Uhlmeyer was credited with the RBI on the game-ending fielder’s choice.
“Even if you make an out, if it’s a productive out, it’s worthwhile,” Canton coach Kevin Jarvis said. He credited his hitters’ patience and their ability to put the ball in play, an approach that ultimately produced the deciding run.
Slater allowed six hits and two earned runs while walking six over seven innings. Musgrove surrendered three runs, two earned, with four walks and four strikeouts. Scotland County outhit Canton 6-3, but the hosts played error-free defense while the visitors committed two errors.
Elenbaas led Scotland County at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Weber and Ward each had a hit and an RBI, while Hayes and Hilary Hamm contributed one hit apiece. Baker, Ruffcorn and Myers accounted for Canton’s three hits, with Baker, Ruffcorn and Uhlmeyer each driving in a run.
Scotland County coach Abi Haire credited her defense for making important plays and emphasized the need to convert more offensive opportunities. Despite the narrow loss, she remained optimistic about the upcoming district tournament.
“Districts are districts, man. Like, anything can happen,” Haire said. “We have to go in ready, ready to play.”
With the district seeding meeting scheduled for Friday, Jarvis said he believed Thursday’s matchup could help determine the No. 3 seed. Haire anticipated Scotland County remaining in the discussion for a top-three or top-four position, with both teams preparing for postseason play.
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics given should be deemed as unofficial.)
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