Cape Girardeau, Jackson bow out of Junior American Legion zone tourney

Ste. Genevieve put an end to both local teams' hopes in the Junior American Legion Zone 4 baseball tournament at Central High School.

Cape Girardeau Plaza Tire Post 63 fell to Ste. Genevieve 6-3 on Friday before Ste. Genevieve defeated Jackson 12-7 on Saturday.

Eureka went on to defeat Ste. Genevieve for the title later Saturday afternoon.

Jacob Smith suffered the loss for Jackson after going 3 1/3 innings Saturday.

Cole Blanton led Jackson with three hits, including a double.

Cody Harris, Laban Petzoldt and Trent Wills all added two hits for Jackson, which collected 12 hits to 14 for Ste. Genevieve.

Jackson suffered its first loss in the zone tournament Friday, an 8-3 setback to Eureka.

Joe Elfrink took the loss after allowing four earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. Blanton pitched the final two-thirds of an inning.

Jackson committed four errors in the game.

Steven Porzelt went 2 for 4 for Jackson, which had the bases loaded with one out three times but failed to score all three times.

Eureka led 5-3 in the sixth inning before adding some insurance.

Jackson's season did not end though because it is hosting the state tournament. Jackson will open state tournament play Thursday at 2 p.m. at Legion Field against the zone champion from the Kansas City area.

Jackson enters the state tournament with a 21-20 record.

Logan Henson took the loss for Cape against Ste. Genevieve on Friday.

Nick Essner led Cape's offense with a two-run triple.

"Overall we had a pretty good year," Cape coach Jacob May said. "I'm pleased with winning the district. It was a pretty big accomplishment hosting zone."

Cape finished the season 16-19.

-- From staff reports