Missourian prep baseball roundup, Apr. 7: Jackson combined no-hitter downs Dexter

Jackson baseball (10-3) returned to winning ways on Friday morning, winning 10-0 against Dexter (2-4) in five innings.

The game served as the second no-hitter for the Indians in three games, with a four-man combined no-hitter working to keep the Bearcats off the board.

“We did what you're supposed to do today,” Indians coach Josh Roach said. “We hit the ball around well. I’m really proud of our bullpen guys that came in. We just kind of did a one-inning deal for each guy, and they came in and threw strikes and did a really good job.”

Over its past three games, the Jackson pitching staff has allowed just two runs – both coming in an 11-inning loss at Vianney (12-1) on Wednesday.

While the bullpen appeared to be a problem in the opening week of play, the Jackson relievers have settled down into a comfortable role.

Junior Brynson Garcia earned the start on the mound for Jackson, pitching two innings and earning the win statistically. Adrian Fox, Garrison Brown, and Aidan Shaver all appeared in relief for the Indians, combining for a total of just two baserunners, both on walks.

“We have high-level guys in the bullpen, they just didn't have a ton of varsity experience on the mound,” Roach said. “What I'm seeing lately has been very encouraging, because we did start the season with the bullpen being a little shaky. Not throwing enough strikes.

“But recently, they’ve come in and done a really good job. We appreciate them. You have a really good defense behind you. Throw strikes, get soft contact, let your defense work for you and get you out of the inning. They did a really good job of that today.”

Jackson next plays at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Nixa (10-1) in the first game of a doubleheader.

__Delta 7, Caruthersville 5__

Delta (1-8) took care of business at home on Friday afternoon, downing Caruthersville (0-3) by a 7-5 margin after scoring four runs late.

A four-run swing in the fourth inning for Caruthersville put the Bobcats in a 4-3 hole entering the late stages of the game, but Delta’s three-run fifth powered the club to its first win of the season.

Freshman Bryce Cox proved a game-breaking threat on multiple levels, finishing in a game-high tie for hits with two while driving in a run, drawing a walk, stealing four bases and pitching 3.0 innings without allowing a hit or walk while striking out six batters. Teammate Keigan Engelen also finished with two hits for Delta, driving in two runs on a double.

Delta next plays at 4 p.m. on Monday at Perryville (2-5).