Jackson gets it right against lefty

The local squad roughed up Twin Rivers 12-4.

The Jackson American Legion team struggled against left-handed pitching Wednesday night, falling 12-4 to Farmington in the second game of a doubleheader.

Jackson had its chance for redemption less than 24 hours later, as Twin Rivers came to Jackson on Thursday for a nine-inning district game. Twin Rivers started lefty Jimmy Cornell, who shined in a complete-game victory against Cape Girardeau last week.

But it was a short night for Cornell on Thursday, as Jackson erupted for 11 first-inning runs and chased Cornell after just one-third of an inning in a 16-6 seven-inning victory.

Jackson improved to 9-5 and 1-1 in District 14 play.

"We hit well," Jackson coach Mark Lewis said. "It was good to see after last night. That second game, a left-hander from Farmington shut us down."

Twin Rivers actually struck the initial blow Thursday with back-to-back, two-out solo home runs in the top of the first. John Patty hit an opposite-field shot to left field off Jackson starter Austin Morrison, and Tyler Stahl followed with another home run to left field.

In the bottom of the first, Jackson had its first five batters reach base. Brandon Gendron hit a two-run double and Brandon Cooper followed with an RBI single to make the score 3-2 with no outs.

After Tony Longman flied out, Joel Penrod followed with an RBI single. Two walks and an error brought home two more runs to bring the score to 6-2 with just one out.

Derrick Biri's second plate appearance led to an RBI single, and Gendron capped the scoring with a two-out grand slam.

In all, 14 batters came to the plate, producing six hits and four walks. Gendron had two hits and six RBIs in the inning.

"He's starting to come around with the bat," Lewis said. "He's a little more comfortable at the plate. I'm expecting big things from him."

Rex Meyr picked up two more RBIs over the next five innings, and Tyler Beussink and Geoff Enders also drove in runs as Jackson was able to close out the game in seven innings due to the 10-run rule.

Meyr led Jackson's 12-hit attack with a 3-for-4 performance, including three RBIs. Cooper, Gendron and Penrod had two hits apiece.

Morrison pitched all seven innings, allowing six runs on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

"He got ahead in the count and went at hitters," Lewis said.

Jared Stockton led Twin Rivers with three hits. Stahl finished with two hits, and Seth Blackwell added a solo home run. Stahl and Blackwell had two RBIs apiece.

* Late Wednesday, Jackson split the doubleheader at home with Farmington. Jackson won the opener 8-7 before losing the nightcap.

Gendron, Biri, Cooper, Longman and Cameron Heath had two hits apiece for Jackson in the opener. Heath had two RBIs. Tyrone Reece got the win after throwing an inning in relief. Longman picked up the save.

Penrod took the loss in the second game after pitching five innings. Gendron hit a two-run home run.