Area digest

Jackson Legion splits its opening doubleheader

Jackson's Senior American Legion baseball team split a pair of high-scoring games with Imperial in its season-opening doubleheader at home Saturday.

Jackson used a five-run seventh inning to come from behind in the 10-9 opener. Jackson pounded out 14 hits, including a big three-run home run from Brandon Gendron in the fourth inning. Gendron, Austin McDowell, Trevor Thompson and Jason Meystedt had two hits apiece for Jackson. Josh Parham was a perfect 3-for-3 for Jackson.

On the mound, Jackson's Kyle Long waded through six innings before turning the ball over to Brandon Stearns, who pitched a scoreless seventh for the win.

In the 8-7 second game, Imperial jumped on Jackson starter Parham for eight runs in three innings of work. Imperial led 8-0 into the fifth inning, until Tim Stearns got Jackson on the board with a two-run home run. Jackson scored another run in the sixth, and came up just short in the seventh, closing to within 8-7 before Imperial shut the door.

Kyle McMinn and Meystedt had three hits apiece for Jackson.

Cape Jr. Legion sweeps two against Festus

The Cape Girardeau Cliff's Rent to Own Junior American Legion squad swept visiting Festus in a doubleheader Saturday, winning 8-6 and 14-12.

In the opener, Cape (5-1) got strong pitching from winner Jeremy Brinkmeyer, who worked 4 1/3 hitless innings. Brandon Cooper earned a save. Scott Brueckner went 3-3 and Tony Leuckel was 2-for-2 with two RBIs.

Tyler Bruce was the winner in the second game and Matt Hellrich had a save. Lueckel was 3-for-3, and Brueckner added two hits.

Cape A's sweep Dexter in opening doubleheader

The host Cape Girardeau A's pounded out 21 hits and swept a season-opening Senior Babe Ruth doubleheader from Dexter National on Saturday.

The A's (2-0) won a tight game in the opener 11-10. Chance Franklin, Lucas McMhan, Matt Smith and Andy Ralls had two hits apiece for the A's. McMhan's two hits were a double and a home run. Chris Daniels added a home run for the A's and got the win.

In the second game, the A's used a solid pitching performance from Buddy Conrad to win 7-5. Conrad allowed one earned run over four innings. Corey Huskey led the A's offense with two hits, including a home run. Daniels and Alex Ramsey added two hits apiece. Lucas Presson added a home run for the A's.

--From staff reports