JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hannibal’s bats erupted as they withstood a late Marshall charge to defeat their North Central Missouri Conference rivals 14-12 in the opening round of the Class 4 District 5 tournament on Wednesday.
It was the first postseason game Hannibal has won in four years.
The Lady Pirates scored three runs in the top of the first inning and added four more in the second, as Hannibal scored at least a run in every inning.
Hannibal entered the bottom of the seventh inning up 14-5, but Marshall made it interesting with a seven-run frame before the Lady Pirates were able to end the Lady Owls threat.
Kynlee Ross started the game for Hannibal and lasted an inning with one strikeout before being pulled in favor of Addison Friday, who pitched five innings with seven strikeouts to earn the win. Chloe Riley earned the save after pitching an inning with two strikeouts.
It was an extra base hit parade for Hannibal, who recorded eight of them. Avril Collier had two triples, while Friday and Stevie Wilson each had one.
Friday, Carlee McCoy, Kennedi Neff and Wilson each hit a double.
The NCMC put out its final All-Conference team on Wednesday, with Friday earning a first team selection and Noveli Collier, Wilson and Ross earning honorable mention selections.
Up next for Hannibal (6-24) is the Class 4 District 5 Tournament second round game against Father Tolton (27-5) at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Jefferson City.