Hackworth sets Jackson single-season RBI record

Baseball can be a strange game and the last two games have been just that for Jackson’s Baden Hackworth.

With an opportunity to set the Indians’ single-season RBI record with 37 on Monday against NMCC, a wild pitch and an error prevented Hackworth from the opportunity with the bases loaded in a run-rule situation.

Fast forward to Tuesday’s matchup against Kennett, Hackworth finished 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts, but as he hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 4th, Hackworth drew a walk to bring home a run and break the record set by Justice Crosnoe in 2017.

“I didn’t really see the ball well today,” Hackworth said. “It’s been happening a lot more recently than normal but it is what it is, it’s the game of baseball.”

Hackworth said he takes pride in being able to produce at the plate for his teammates.

“It’s a big deal,” Hackworth said. “We have a bunch of guys who absolutely rake and when one of us isn’t hitting the other ones are and it just seems to be a cycle. It feels good to be up there with all the other people in Jackson's history.”

One of the ways Hackworth feels he benefits is by having Caden Bogenpohl and Quinton Borders hitting in front of him.

“Having (Quinton) bat before me (is huge) because we’re similar builds and similar hitters,” Hackworth said. “They throw to us very similarly so that helps with my approach at the plate.”

Coming into the week Hackworth said he knew he was close to the record.

“I knew I was close because of my dad,” Hackworth said. “It’s one of those things where I was trying to take the pressure off just because I haven’t seen the ball well recently. I was just trying to go out and have fun.”

With Tuesday’s 8-4 win over Kennett, Jackson moves to 19-6 on the season as they now prepare for the SEMO Conference Tournament that begins Friday, April 28 at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau.