Ash Grove Pirates mercy rule Maysville; advance to state championship game

Ash Grove wins 11-0 in the fifth inning
The Ash Grove Pirates walloped the Maysville Wolverines at the state semifinals in Ozark on Memorial Day, May 29. The Pirates got off to a hot start as they plated seven runs in the bottom of the first inning, turning over the lineup before the Wolverines were able to get three outs. This offensive display was however due, in part, to errors and walks. The Wolverines bobbled the ball on two routine ground-outs that allowed the Pirates to stay on the field.
The Pirates again came out and dominated in the second, scoring three while holding Maysville scoreless. The real story of the game, however, was not in the explosive offense, but instead in the dominant outing by Ash Grove pitcher Brock Mooneyham. Mooneyham, sporting a new blonde hairdo, nearly accomplished a no-hit game, but was robbed of it when a bloop hit dropped into right field late in the ball game. His no-hitter was in danger one other time but was saved by a miraculous catch in right field by Tyler Tummons who was able to make the running, over-the-shoulder catch. Mooneyham brought his best stuff and fanned nearly every batter in the Wolverines’ lineup at least once. He was also an effective hitter at the plate along with his other teammates.
The Pirates did not even have to play a full length game to beat Maysville. The Pirates won by mercy rule in the fifth with a score of 11-0. Mooneyham surrendered his only hit of the game in the fourth but his teammates celebrated his achievement with a dogpile regardless.
The Pirates remain undefeated on the season and went on to face Salisbury for the state championship game in Ozark on Tuesday, May 30. While Ash Grove boasts a spotless record of 24-0, Salisbury isn’t far behind with a tally of 24-1 on the season.