Cardinals settle for second place after extra-innings district final

The Webb City Cardinals made it to the final of the Class 4 District 7 tournament Monday night at Nevada but dejectedly rode home with the runner-up trophy.

It was a long night as the host Tigers came back to tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Webb City took an 2-0 lead in the second inning when Addison Brown hit a home run.

Dawsyn Decker increased the lead to 4-0 in the top of the third with a 2-out, 2-RBI single.

Nevada scored three runs in the fifth before tying it at 4 in the sixth.

Freshman Addie Burns was on the mound for the Cardinals through six and a third innings before being relieved by sophomore Makenzie Wynn, who completed the game.

A Nevada throwing error on Jensyn Pickett’s grounder in the eighth inning allowed pinch-runner Lia Taylor to put the Cardinals ahead 5-4.

But the Tigers loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning and were able to tie it again.

The 5:30 p.m. game stretched to 8 p.m. when the Tigers ended it 6-5 in the ninth inning.

“It was a hard-fought game,” said Webb City coach Shauna Friend. “I am incredibly proud of these young girls.”

She praised their grit and determination – and gave kudos to the Tigers, who go on to host Kearney Saturday.

Overall, Friend said, “I’m just proud of a great season (27-11).”

She added, “I’m gonna miss our seniors:” Jensyn Pickett, Sydney Strickland, Dawsyn Decker and Rilley Hanes.