Jackson books spot in final

Jackson turned back Cape 11-5 in the winners bracket final.

SENATH, Mo. -- The Jackson American Legion team does not need to win the District 14 tournament to earn a zone berth, with an automatic berth already in hand as host.

That has not stopped the red-hot Jackson squad from moving within one win of its first district crown after an 11-5 victory Thursday against Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons in the winners bracket final.

Jackson will play the winner of today's Cape-Sikeston game on Saturday for the district crown. The winner of today's game also will be guaranteed a berth in the five-team Zone 4 Tournament.

Scott County Post 369 (Medicap) was eliminated from the tournament with a 14-4 loss in eight innings Thursday. Scott County, which had knocked top-seeded Dunklin County from the event Wednesday, finished the year 11-17.

Thursday's win was the 14th straight for Jackson, which improved its mark to 27-12. Cape fell to 19-22 overall and 2-2 against Jackson this season.

Jason Meystedt threw the second consecutive complete-game for Jackson after Tyler Beussink threw a two-hitter against Sikeston on Tuesday. Meystedt allowed five runs on 10 hits with seven strikeouts.

"He was outstanding," Jackson coach Mark Lewis said. "It was hot, and he pitched all nine. He did a great job for us."

Despite being outhit, Jackson's lead was never in question. Jackson led 11-1 before Ford & Sons tallied four runs in the bottom of the eighth.

Rex Meyr went 3-for-3 with three RBI for Jackson, and Meystedt added two hits. Brandon Cooper had two hits, including a two-run home run in the fifth inning, and five RBI.

Cape stubbed its own toe by committing five errors that led to five unearned runs. Cory Huskey allowed all 11 runs in seven innings of work. Huskey allowed 10 hits, struck out one and walked three.

Ty Craft, Kendal Deason, Scott Brueckner, Mike Taylor and Trevor Irwin had two hits apiece for Cape. Craft had a two-run home run.