Tigers able to manufacture runs, district championship with patience, persistence

CANTON, Mo. — The Canton softball team was forced to tweak its offensive strategy Saturday, but the Tigers proved adept at manufacturing runs in a variety of ways.

Leading North Shelby 2-1 in the fifth inning of the Class 1 District 9 championship game at the Cotton Bowl, Canton used a bunt single and a couple of errors to load the bases. The Tigers then showed patience and persistence, scoring on a walk and a wild pitch to springboard themselves to a 5-2 victory and a berth in the sectionals.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we found a way to win,” Canton coach Kristyn Caldwell said. “We really used the short, and our discipline at the plate really helped us. The wind was a little chaotic, but we found a way to score.”

The Tigers (19-4) will face La Plata (23-7) in the sectional at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Cotton Bowl. Canton beat La Plata 3-1 early in the season.

“They know they just have to come out and play,” Caldwell said. “I keep telling them we’re prepared for this. We just have to play our game and play with confidence.”

Limited to one extra-base hit — Emma Hultz’s RBI triple in the first inning — the Tigers turned to putting pressure on the defense with bunts and baserunning. They took advantage of four walks and three errors by the Raiders.

“We couldn’t find the gaps, but we found a way to get on,” Caldwell said.

Patience against North Shelby’s Snow was critical. She entered in the second inning and allowed four hits and three runs, but she walked four and uncorked three wild pitches.

“She has a lot of movement, but with movement, it’s not always going to be strikes,” Caldwell said. “We did a good job of making her pitch to us. Then we capitalized on her mistakes.”

It gave Canton hurler Kenzie Guilfoyle a cushion. She allowed one earned run and five hits, while striking out six and walking one.

“She mixed it up a lot,” Caldwell said. “She pitched with confidence and was a great leader for us.”