Kirksville pitcher Jackie Bishop struck out 21 batters to lead Kirksville to a 1-0 win over Republic in 10 innings in the state semifinals. The winning run scored when the umpire ruled that Danielle Llewellen slid across the plate just ahead of a throw from second baseman Lakin Ramsey with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th.
Before that, both offenses had been shut out. Bishop struck out the side in each of the first six innings, and allowed only five baserunners in the game. Republic managed only two hits — both by Payton Appleberry — but never managed to get a runner past first base against Bishop, who still hasn’t given up an earned run all season.
Bishop’s performance overshadowed a great start by Republic’s Hailey Johnson, who held a powerful Kirksville lineup in check for 9 1/3 innings before giving up a run. Kirksville threatened several times, but Johnson pitched out of trouble when she had to. She left Kirksville runners stranded on third base in the second, the fourth, the fifth, and the seventh innings.
Republic will play Platte County in the third place game Saturday afternoon. Kirksville advances to play Cape Girardeau Notre Dame.