Tailor Hutsell wins best pitcher poll

by Matt Turer

Last week, KY 3 asked who 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.