Jackson freshmen vie for Legion state title

Jackson's run through the Freshmen American Legion State Baseball Tournament in Branson, Mo., hit a speed bump on Saturday.

That speed bump was Eureka, which dealt Jackson a 12-2 loss and forced another game between the two teams today to determine the state champion.

Austin Bucher and Ben Maudie each had two hits for Jackson, which will face Eureka again at 10 a.m. today with the winner being crowned state champion.

Carter Bess, Landon Jinks and Jake Edwards also had hits for Jackson (28-7-1). Edwards doubled and drove in a run, as did Bucher. Bess and Jinks scored for Jackson.

Triston Thele took the loss, allowing nine runs in 2 1/3 innings. Caleb Wadley finished up on the mound for Jackson.

The two teams had played on Friday with Jackson earning a 3-2 win. In that game, Maudie had a no-hitter through six innings before allowing a pair of runs in the seventh. He finished with a three-hitter, walking three and striking out 10.

Bucher doubled and drove in a run, while Edwards was 1 for 3 with an RBI. Skylar Pease singled and scored for Jackson.

-- From staff report