Jackson captures Babe Ruth state title

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The Jackson Senior Babe Ruth baseball team forced the three-time defending state champion Charleston Fighting Squirrels to make defensive plays by putting the ball in play during Sunday's state championship game.

The Squirrels handled the pressure well during the first five innings of the state title game, committing only one error and clinging to a one-run lead in the top of the sixth inning.

But Jackson's ability to put the ball in play finally paid off late in its 8-6 victory to claim the state title and advance to the Midwest Regional tournament in Wellington, Kan., which begins Friday.

Charleston's defense finally faltered in the sixth inning when Ross Carter hit a ground ball down the third-base line. Squirrels third baseman Danny McKinney's throw to first soared over the head of first baseman Brandon Peters allowing two unearned runs to score and giving Jackson a 7-6 lead.

"I saw it was going to be a really tough play," Carter said. "It was kind of like a swinging bunt. I just tried to beat it out and hope one run scored."

The Squirrels committed two more errors in the inning, and Jackson held on for the win.

Jackson coach Paul Sander said putting the ball in play was one of three keys to his team's success in the tournament.

"We have to pitch ahead in the counts, we have to play defense and we have to swing at good pitches," Sander said.

The Jackson offense appeared to execute the swinging at good pitches part of the strategy, striking out only four times and drawing seven walks during the title game.

"We didn't strike out," Sander said. "[Andrew] Dooley is a strikeout pitcher. I guess we put some pressure on them by continuing to put the ball in play."

B.I. Howard picked up the win on the mound by pitching the final 3 1/3 innings without allowing a run.

Howard entered the game trailing 6-3 after Jackson starting pitcher Alex Beussink allowed six runs during the first 3 2/3 innings.

"My defense made some big plays," Howard said. "I was just trying to limit their runs and get outs as fast as I could and hoping our bats would speed up and catch us back up."

Carter and Howard both went 3 for 3 in the win. Howard added two RBIs.

Andrew Dooley took the loss for Charleston after allowing five runs over 3 1/3 innings.

Both Charleston and Jackson advance to the Midwest Regional. Jackson picked up the automatic bid after winning the state championship, and Charleston did because Nebraska will not send a representative.

Howard said the return trip to the tournament will be a great opportunity to complete unfinished business after losing the Midwest Regional championship to Minnesota last season.

"It's everything to get another shot at regionals," Howard said. "We were one win away from nationals last year. It would be wonderful to go there this year and win it all."