CHAFFEE BATS FIND THE ZONE IN 10-5 WIN OVER FESTUS

SENATH, Mo. -- Sometimes the best things come to those who don't wait.

Todd Friend hit a first-pitch grand slam in Chaffee Medicap Pharmacy's seven-run sixth inning as Chaffee claimed a 10-5 first-round victory over highly touted Festus in the American Legion Zone Tournament Thursday night.

The game was tied 2-2 at the time of Friend's opposite-field blast over the rightcenter field fence. Friend, the team's No. 6 batter, went 2-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

"I told him to be patient and he goes up there and hits the first pitch over the fence," Chaffee manager Jeff Graviett said. "It was a big, big hit. He just crushed it."

Garrett Cook provided some insurance in the seventh when he hit a two-run shot. Cook went 3-for-4, while Perry Rice and Andrew DePeder each went 2-for-4.

Matt Stroup picked up the victory as Chaffee improved to 45-9. Stroup went nine innings, allowing five runs -- three earned -- on nine hits and two walks. He struck out 10.

Festus dropped to 31-10.

Chaffee will play another game at 8:30 tonight.