For openers, Jackson wins two from Cape Girardeau

Despite sweeping a season-opening doubleheader, Jackson Remax Achievers American Legion coach Mark Lewis put his team through postgame baserunning drills.

Jackson defeated Cape Girardeau 4-0 and 6-4 at Legion Field in Jackson on Wednesday despite failing to capitalize on opportunities to take big first-inning leads in both games.

"I am very pleased with the way we played," Lewis said. "We did a lot of good things. We did have some first game jitters, but overall we played very well."

Jason Meystedt controlled the first game, allowing a leadoff single to Cory Huskey before retiring 12 straight en route to his shutout. Meystedt allowed three hits and three walks while striking out nine.

Cape's Ford & Sons (0-3) had only two runners reach second base.

"He was outstanding on the hill," Lewis said. "I would not say he was dominant, but he was very effective."

Meystedt gave the Remax Achievers (2-0) the lead in the bottom of the first, drawing a two-out walk and scoring on Trevor Thompson's single. Lee Essner struck out Chad Minson with the bases loaded to avoid further trouble.

Essner was not able to work out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, though, as Jackson added three runs. Thompson and Tyler Profilet scored on Zach Brazier's fielder's choice groundout when Cape failed to complete a double play.

"He made the pitch to get out of it," Ford & Sons coach Michael Minner said. "But we couldn't roll two."

In the nightcap, Jackson again loaded the bases in the bottom of the first but again was only able to get one run. Huskey hit Trey Busch with a pitch and walked Jason Owen and Meystedt to load the bases before a passed ball.

In the second, Cape finally mustered some offense. Three singles and Luke McClellan's double gave Ford & Sons a 3-1 lead.

The Remax Achievers regained the lead with a three-run fifth after loading the bases with nobody out. Jackson scored on Aaron Green's single and two groundouts.

Cape chased starter Brandon Stearns in the top of the sixth with a single and a walk, but Austin Morrison relieved and recorded three straight outs.

"Austin came in and did a great job," Lewis said. "He was only going to pitch one inning, but what an inning it was."

Minner said he is not worried about Cape's record at this point.

"We will get better," Minner said. "We will continue to battle, and once the season gets going we will get the big hit."