SOFTBALL: Clark one-hits Du Quoin, Lady Panthers win 1-0

Mariah Clark threw a one-hitter in the circle and Brooklyn Morrow drove in the game's only run as the Lady Panthers slipped past the Lady Indians 1-0 on Monday in Du Quoin.

Clark struck out nine and walked just one to pick up the win for Pinckneyville, out-dueling her counterpart Marisa Ferguson, who finished with a strong stat line of one earned run allowed on six hits and four walks with seven strikeouts. Neither team committed an error in a game that was a showcase of solid defense.

"When you don't make mistakes, the game is a lot easier," said PCHS head coach Alan Engelhardt. "I thought Mariah threw very well for us, and I thought our defense was very, very solid making the plays we needed to make."

The only scoring in the game took place in the top of the first inning. Kylee Kling led off the game with a base hit, stole second, then came in to score when Morrow drove a base hit to center field on a full-count pitch.

"It was nice to execute and get that one early," said Englehardt. "(Kling) gets the leadoff single, steals second, then Brooklyn drives her in. That's a recipe for success right there. We left quite a few people on after that. That was one thing that we struggled with, but you're happy with the pitching and defense and that got us a W today."

Pinckneyville would have other scoring opportunities, but left their remaining seven base runners stranded as Ferguson pitched her way out of jams.

"We knew hits would be limited with the wind," said DHS head coach Jason James. "I think Ferguson has really come around. I wish we could get her some more runs and get her some wins. Her record doesn't show how well she's thrown the last three or four ball games. When you've got Nashville, Carterville and Pinckneyville all in a row, it's tough."

Du Quoin thought they had tied the game up in the bottom of the fourth. Ferguson (1-3) singled to start the inning and stood at second base after Amanda Atteberry reached on a fielder's choice. With one out, Jordyn Bullar hit a grounder between first and second base where Kling fielded the ball and tossed to shortstop Maddie Jones to retire Atteberry on a force play. Jones threw to first to try and double up Bullar, but she was safe. Meanwhile, Ferguson rounded third and tried to score only to be called out on a close play at the plate to complete a 4-6-3-2 double play.

Kling (2-4, R), Morrow (2-3, RBI, BB), Emma Banach (1-3, SAC) and Caitie Opp (1-2, BB) had hits for the Lady Panthers.

Pinckneyville (13-5, 4-2) hosts Anna-Jonesboro on Tuesday while Du Quoin (9-11, 1-4) travels to Sparta.