CHAFFEE JR. LEGION SWEEPS SIKESTON

Chaffee's Junior Legion team improved to 27-1 on the season with a district sweep of Sikeston Wednesday night.

Chaffee won the opener 9-1 before winning the nightcap 8-1.

Dustin Dannenmueller held Sikeston to four hits in the opener, striking out seven and walking one.

Josh Eftink and John Wipfler each had two hits and two RBIs for Chaffee, which had just the four hits on the game.

Tommy Stidham also allowed just four hits in the second game, striking out four and walking two.

Eftink again had two hits and Jeremy Vandeven added a pair. Chaffee had eight hits overall.

Chaffee returns to action when it visits Sikeston for a doubleheader.

Cape Commerce Bank White Sox

SIKESTON -- The Cape Commerce Bank White Sox strengthened their hold on first in Sr. Babe Ruth with a sweep of Sikeston Tuesday night, winning both games by 4-2 scores.

Michael Minner was the winning pitcher in the first game and picked up a save in the second as the White Sox improved to 12-4 in league action.

David Hamm had two of the White Sox's seven hits in the opener, including the game-winning hit.

Travis Klipfel won the second game, which went just five innings. Minner faced just one hitter, who struck out with the tying and winning runs in scoring position.

Note: The White Sox will host the 1997 Commerce Bank Firecracker Classic, which opens play today and runs through Saturday.

The five team, round-robin tournament will include Commerce Bank (14-10), New Madrid (11-7), Sikeston (12-8), Portageville (9-7) and Caruthersville (8-8).

Today's schedule will be held at Capaha Field, but play will move to Central High School on Friday and Saturday.

Today's games: Portageville vs. Caruthersville, 3 p.m.; Sikeston vs. Portageville, 5 p.m.; Caruthersville vs. Commerce Bank, 7 p.m.; New Madrid vs. Sikeston, 9 p.m..