Cape Girardeau drops two in tourney

The Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons American Legion team dropped two games on the final day of the Cason Classic in Blytheville, Ark.

Cape lost 9-8 to Marissa, Ill., and 4-3 to Dunklin County, dropping the team to 1-3 in the four-team tournament and 6-13 overall. Cape had lost 10-7 to Marissa on Friday and beat host Blytheville on Saturday.

Michael Taylor was the losing pitcher in the opening game in relief of Mark Johnson.

Cape, which had led 6-1 at one point, had an 8-6 lead heading into the final frame but surrendered two runs to tie the score and send the game to extras.

Johnson had pitched five innings and was charged with six runs. Taylor was charged with three runs in 2 1/3 innings.

Scott Brueckner, Wayne Essner and Sean Bard each had two hits for Cape.

Brueckner and Patrick Slattery each had two hits in the second game.

Cory Huskey pitched five innings and allowed four runs in taking the loss. Jason Umfleet pitched two scoreless innings in relief.

Cape will see Dunklin County again immediately with a doubleheader set for 5 p.m. today at Capaha Field.Cape also plays at home Wednesday with a doubleheader against Anna, Ill.