JACKSON CAPITALIZES ON EARLY CHANCES, DEFEATS N. MADRID

JACKSON -- Six runs isn't bad for a team who managed just three hits and was held hitless in the final four innings.

But the Jackson Indians took advantage of some early opportunities and excelled on the field Friday as they knocked off visiting New Madrid 6-1.

The Indians (4-4) scored three runs in each of the first two innings and looked as if they would steam roll to a run-rule decision in five innings.

But New Madrid's defense -- after making five errors in the first two innings -- finally started helping its starting pitcher Justin Palmer.

The Eagle hurler was perfect after the second inning. He retired the Indians on three pitches in the fourth.

"We kind of sat on (the lead) I thought," Jackson coach Sam Sides said. "But we hit the ball well after that, we just didn't get any breaks and didn't get the ball to fall."

"Justin threw a great game," said New Madrid coach Aaron Pixley. "He's letting the defense play and early on in the game our defense didn't play and that's what beat us. Plus, we didn't hit the baseball."

In the first inning, No. 2 batter Chris Kohm drew a walk and stole second. Toby Freeman then reached on an error.

Second baseman Chris Schlick then rifled a shot over the left field fence for a three-run homer.

In the second inning, New Madrid (2-4) committed four errors and Jackson scored three unearned runs. The only hit in the inning was an RBI double by Kohm.

Aside from New Madrid's five errors in the first two innings and two harmless errors by Jackson, the defense was splendid.

Jackson starting pitcher Josh Hopkins was aided by three double plays, all of which were started by third baseman Toby Freeman.

On one of the double plays, Freeman threw out the runner at first and first baseman Cory Daniel threw to second and caught a New Madrid runner too far off the base.

"I was real pleased with the way we played," Sides said. "We made some good defensive plays and we were really heads up on the bases. Toby had an excellent game at third base."

In addition to the double plays, Hopkins -- a left-hander -- picked off two runners and catcher Ryan Beltz made a diving catch in foul territory in the first inning.

Hopkins allowed five hits in the win. He walked five and struck out three. The only run scored against him came in the top of the seventh on an RBI single by Joey Higgerson. The game ended when Higgerson was thrown out at second trying to stretch his hit into a double.

Palmer allowed three hits and two walks while striking out three. Two of Jackson's six runs were earned.