Opp’s 12U All-Stars thrilling quest for the 2015 Cal Rikpen Major/60 World Series came to a bitter end on Wednesday with a 14-4 loss to Ohio Valley in the quarterfinals in Monticello, Ark.

 

The young Bobcats struck first in the top of the first inning after Lane Ballard led off the contest with a single. That was followed with two quick outs, but Jesse Coon stepped in and ripped a two-out single that plated Ballard from third.

 

A single from starting pitcher Hal Smithart followed by Wyatt Horn being hit by a pitch loaded the bases for Opp.

 

Chandler Pyron then drew a walk, allowing Coon to score to give Opp an early 2-0 lead.

 

In the bottom of the first, Ohio Valley managed to tie the game when a two-out error by Opp allowed two runs to score.

 

Opp went down in order in the top of the second inning off two strikeouts and a ground out.

 

Four singles to start the bottom of the second inning allowed Ohio Valley to score a run to take a 3-2.

 

Ohio Valley blew the game wide open in the bottom of the third inning, scoring nine runs to take a 12-2 lead.

 

A two-out bases loaded walk plated the first run of the inning, and then a grand slam put Ohio Valley up 8-2. After the next batter was hit by a pitch, a two-run home run made the score 10-2. Two errors allowed two more Ohio Valley runners to score making the score 12-2.

 

Opp continued to battle and didn’t give up as they added a pair of runs in the top of the fourth. Ballard drove in the first run with a hard ground ball back up the middle that was misplayed by the Ohio Valley pitcher.

 

Trey Boutwell followed with a bases-loaded single that plated Chandler Pyron from third.

 

Ohio Valley added a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth to end the game via mercy rule, 14-4.