baseball
Year in Photos — Cassville baseball
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2023-2024 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Masin Bryan slides headfirst into third base during a game against East Newton last season.
Tigers ready to reload after first district title
The Exeter baseball team recorded the most wins in a season since at least 2010, and the game that pushed the Tigers over the hump was a Class 1, District 5 championship win over Billings, the first district title in Exeter history.
Trojans trudge through .500 season
Finishing at exactly .500, the Southwest baseball team had many highlights this season, but one-run games and untimely hitting hampered the Trojans through the spring. Derek Mann, Southwest baseball coach, said while the team ultimately fell short of its goals, it was able to accomplish plenty at 14-14.
Eagles continue chasing district title
Since the 2020 season canceled for COVID, the Purdy baseball team has been living a “Groundhog Day” experience. Setting the goal every season to win a district title, the last four attempts in a row have all come to an end thanks to one opponent — Marionville.
Tigers claw way to history
Wednesday afternoon in Hurley, the Exeter baseball team experienced a, "Wow, that just happened," moment. Down by 2 early and trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the seventh in the Class 1, District 5 title bout, the Tigers (15-8) plated a pair of runs and brought the game to a final out. A mid-range fly ball tested right fielder Kronikel Lokot, but the senior snagged the catch to win Exeter its first-ever district championship.
Rose goes to Grizzlies
Cassville senior CJ Rose has been playing baseball most of his life, and he will continue to do so in the fall, as he’s signed on April 24 to pitch for Missouri State University in West Plains. Rose said it has only been the past couple years he’s gotten serious about playing collegiately, and he’s happy to make the move.
Wildcats want to prove themselves in Big 8
With the majority of its Big 8 Conference slate coming down the pike, the Cassville baseball team is looking to prove itself among the heavy hitters. The Wildcats (7-6) have been improving this year compared to 2023, according to Coach Shawn Trent.
Tigers have Ozark 7 Conference title in sights
The Exeter baseball team is enjoying another successful season, on the brink of a possible fourth straight Ozark 7 championship and hoping to chase a trophy in the six-team Class 1, District 5 tournament coming up. Matt Tripp, Exeter baseball coach, said the Tigers who have two district title match appearances in the last three seasons, have played inspired ball this season, continuing to improve as the season progresses.
Scoreboard, April 17
The Cassville boys track and field team took second place as a team and the girls took third at the Clever Invitational on April 9.
Trojans bring strength on the mound
The Southwest baseball team will rely on its pitching to produce another winning season, hoping to stay healthy and make a run more district hardware for Trojans athletics this year. Derek Mann, Southwest baseball coach, said the Trojans were hit hard by injuries at the start of last season, going 1-9 in their first 10 but finishing 13-11 overall.
