By Matt Turer — mturer@ky3.com
@MattTurer
Last week, we asked who you felt was the area’s best pitcher this softball season. Your answer? El Dorado Springs senior Tailor Hutsell!
Hutsell played what was perhaps the most important role for a El Dorado Springs team that hit below .270 as a team but still spent multiple weeks in this year’s softball power rankings. A big reason for that success was Hutsell’s efforts on the mound, especially against Class 2 and Class 1 opponents.
The Bulldogs senior finished her year with a 12-8 record, striking out 185 in 113.2 innings (11.39 SO per 7.0 IP), posting a 1.91 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, three shutouts and 14 complete games.
Hutsell tossed a complete-game no-hitter in a 12-2 win over Humansville on Sept. 29, striking out 13. That was her second no-hitter of the season after doing it to eventual Class 1 — District 4 champ Hermitage back on Sept. 1, striking out 13 in that game as well. In addition, Hutsell tossed three one-hitters and had nine double-digit strikeout games.
Hutsell was named a Class 2 — District 12 All-District First-Team pitcher, joining Pleasant Hope’s Jenna Halbrook and Seneca’s Mekaylee Beard for that honor.
El Dorado Springs’ season ended in the Class 2 — District 12 semifinals to Seneca, 4-0. The Bulldogs finished the year with a record of 12-9.
Republic’s Rachel Rook finished second. Camdenton’s Haile Farris finished third.
Final results were announced during the Oct. 7 O-Zone show.
