Platte County softball advances to semis

St. Joseph News-Press

Platte County's softball team prolonged its sensational season Monday with a wire-to-wire 6-3 quarterfinal victory against O'Hara.

The win propelled the Pirates (26-4) to this weekend's state tournament in Columbia, Mo., and marks the first-ever semifinal appearance for the team.

"I think they're pretty pumped," Platte County coach Rob Davenport said. "It's pretty special to them."

In a game played at Adair Park in Independence, Mo., Platte County found itself in an early hole after the Irish's one-run first inning.

But Brianna Corwin's lead-off double in the bottom of the inning ignited a three-run burst that put the Pirates out in front. Platte County didn't surrender the lead the rest of the way.

"To come back in the bottom of the first was big," Davenport said. "It settled the kids down."

Coming off a rough sectional outing against Chillicothe, Haley Pypes reverted back to her normal self and routinely squelched any hopes of an O'Hara comeback.

The sophomore pitcher went the distance and struck out six after giving up eight runs against the Hornets on short rest.

"She settled down and was a lot more comfortable tonight," Davenport said.

Her teammates provided her with plenty of support, as well. Hayley Brought, who drove in three runs, and Corwin both turned in three-hit performances, while Morgan Wilkerson displayed some pop by doubling twice, scoring a run and notching an RBI.

With the victory, the Pirates advance to play the Thunderbirds of North Callaway (24-2) of Kingdom City, Mo., at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Rainbow Softball Center in Columbia.