Using a 10-run first inning and a three-run homer by Ty Lillpop in the third, the Owensboro Southern 11U All-Star team breezed past Prestonsburg to advance to the semifinals of the state tournament. After a 13-1 Thursday night, Southern moves on to Friday’s semifinals for a rematch with Ashland.
Southern wrapped up pool play 3-1 — with the lone loss coming against Ashland on Wednesday — and earned the No. 3 seed in bracket play. Friday’s semifinal against Ashland will be at 4:30 p.m. CST, with the winner advancing to Saturday’s championship.
Thursday’s win over tournament host Prestonsburg was a solid bounce back from a 20-8 loss the night before, and Owensboro manager Todd Lillpop said they were able to play a clean game.
“We got punched in the mouth Wednesday night,” he said. “We wanted to challenge the kids to respond and play Southern baseball, and that’s what we did. We played really good defense, and when you score 10 runs in the first inning it really helps you out.”
Southern took a huge early lead, nearly batting around twice as they went up 10-0 after the first frame.
Ty Ashley continued a hot tournament with a leadoff triple and added a double later in the inning, scoring both times. Ty Lillpop also tripled, and Owensboro finished the inning with nine hits. Brayden Burger and Lane Hundley both drove in two runs in the opening frame.
After Prestonsburg scored in the top of the third, Ty Lillpop responded with a homer in the bottom of the inning. He finished 3-for-3 with three runs and four RBIs.
Ashley finished with two hits and two runs, while Jayden James added two hits and three runs.
Todd Lillpop said the key to winning the rematch with Ashland will be eliminating mistakes — Owensboro had five errors in the first meeting.
“If we make plays defensively, we’ll be fine,” he said. “But if we kick it around and give them free bases, it’s going to be an uphill climb. I’m not saying we can’t do it, but in baseball those are the things that have to get done.”
It’s a similar situation to the District 1 Tournament, when Owensboro avenged a big loss by beating Bowling Green East for the championship. Todd Lillpop said his players know they’ve got the talent to get the win and play for the state title.
“Our kids are ready to play them,” he said. “They’re excited to get another crack at them. As long as we go out and play our game, I’ll take my chances.”
