Post 114 falls in shootout

Senior American Legion Tournament

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The final score of Monday evening's Senior Legion baseball game between Sikeston Post 114 and Jackson looked more like a football score as both teams exchanged blows for nearly four hours during the District 14 Tournament held at Capaha Field.

In the end, it was Jackson that emerged victorious with a 16-13 win, knocking Sikeston into the loser's bracket of the tournament.

The game was sloppy with both teams committing numerous errors and allowing several walks.

Post 114 committed five errors and the pitching staff walked 12 Jackson batters.

Jackson committed three errors and gave Sikeston 17 free passes.

"We usually play a little better defense than what we did tonight," said Sikeston coach Todd Baker. "What did we have, five or six errors? It's just one of those things. Some uncharacteristic things took place. We didn't pitch very well, but we were in the game at the end. Overall it was a big district game and it didn't work out like we wanted it to. But you know what, the kids didn't give up. They stayed until the final out. We had an opportunity to tie the game. That's all you can ask for."

Sikeston jumped out to the early lead with three runs in the top of the second inning and also led with two more runs in the fourth at 5-4.

But Sikeston's pitching staff, already worn thin from weeks of pitching on short rest, could not stop the Jackson hitting attack.

Jackson scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead for good at 9-5. Jackson appeared on the verge of a possible 10-run rule, but Sikeston exploded with five runs in the top of the seventh to cut into the lead, 11-10.

Jackson came right back with four runs in the bottom half of the inning and added a single run in the bottom of the eighth to lead 16-10.

Sikeston put together one final rally but in the ninth and had the go-ahead run at the plate, but Jackson was able to get Tyler Scott to fly out to center field to end the threat.

Sikeston starter Josh Stevens took the loss in four innings of work. Dustin Barker, Joey Williams and Cody Anderson all saw time on the hill in relief.

Jackson finished with 17 hits in the game led by Ryan Cheney's 5-5 day at the plate with four runs scored. Nick D'Amico went 2-5 with three RBIs, including a solo home run in the sixth inning. Sam Lincoln went 4-4 with two RBIs.

"They hit our pitchers hard and you have to give credit to their crew," said Baker. "They've got a pretty solid meat of the order. Their four guy was 5-5 and their three guy hit a monstrous home run. Give credit where credit's due, they hit the ball well and they hit it down at the bottom of the order. They're coming on here at the right time."

Jackson hurler Isaac Kinnard recorded the win, throwing six-plus innings. Tavis Hurst also threw in relief.

The Jackson defense, despite the errors, turned a crucial double play to end a scoring threat in the seventh inning after Sikeston had cut the lead to 11-10 and had the bases loaded. Jackson turned another double play in the eighth inning.

"A couple double plays helped us out of innings," Jackson coach Mark Lewis said. "In that type of game, you don't know. What's the winning run going to be? I felt good about our hitters. They stayed with it and battled all night."

Sikeston was led offensively by Garrett Limbaugh, who went 3-4 with four RBIs. Scott went 2-5 with three runs. Matt Ritch was 2-3 with two runs and a triple in the ninth inning.

Sikeston will play the loser of the Dunklin County-Cape Girardeau game on Wednesday at 5 p.m.