Cape Junior Legion falls in zone action

The Cape Girardeau Junior American Legion team saw its season end in the zone tournament Sunday with a 10-8 loss to Festus in Ste. Genevieve, Mo.

Festus overcame an 8-1 deficit, capping its comeback with a six-run sixth.

"We really thought we had it put away," said Cape coach Steve Dirnberger, who saw his team finish its season at 26-13. "We just couldn't hold them. Pitching runs thin in a tournament like this. But we had a real nice season."

Cape scored multiple runs in each of the first three innings in taking its seven-run lead.

Brett Heischmidt pitched the first 4 2/3 innings for Cape. He allowed five runs on five hits and six walks. Mark Himmelberg, who took the loss, relieved and allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings. He gave up five hits, walked three and struck out two.

Chris Brotherton led Cape's 10-hit attack with three hits and four RBIs. Abe Dirnberger added two hits and two RBIs, and Eric Ennis also had two hits.

Jackson Sr. Babe Ruth 22

Valley of Caledonia 0

Jackson made its final preparation for the Senior Babe Ruth state tournament with a seven-inning pummeling of Caledonia.

Jackson (29-8) pounded out 16 hits in its final regular-season game. Ryan Watkins and Sam Sander both had two hits, while Brett Groening and Kyle Brown had two apiece.

Sander picked up the win on the mound, allowing two hits in five innings. He struck out seven and walked no one.

Jackson will open state tournament play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Jefferson City, Mo., when it faces the central Missouri district champion.

-- From staff reports