The third inning was all the Tigers needed to beat Mehlville in their district game on Tuesday, May 20.

The Tigers’ offense did not score in the first two innings but exploded for seven runs in the third inning. Corey Chambliss (11) went 3-4 with a run scored and an RBI, and Ryan Brady (12) pitched a complete-game shutout.

“Corey has done a tremendous job being our catalyst since we moved him from the three-spot in the order to the leadoff,” Sturm continued. “Over the last few weeks he’s really started to square up on the ball and he’s obviously somebody that we need to be an important part of our offense to advance in the state playoffs.”

Andy Oliver (12) also went 3-4, getting an RBI single in the third inning that scored the third run of the game. Overall OHS had 12 hits. On the other hand, Mehlville only had three hits, which is in large part to Brady’s dominance on the mound.

“Ryan Brady was outstanding,” Sturm said. “He was incredibly efficient; [he] just did a great job against a very dangerous Mehlville team.”

Brady assessed his pitching performance and deemed that “I definitely wasn’t on my game. I was throwing more balls than I usually do, but I still gutted it out and got the win.” However, Brady only allowed three hits while striking out five and holding Mehlville scoreless.

The Tigers play today (May 22) against Vianney High School at Kirkwood High School at 4:15 for the district championship.

“We know we’re going to have to be at our best, but we’re very confident coming in,” Sturm said of the upcoming game against Vianney. “We’re going to give it our best shot and try to come away with a district title.”