RAMS DROP THE BALL, THE GAME TO JACKSON

JACKSON -- Unfortunately for Scott City, unearned runs count just as much as the earned variety.

Jackson took advantage of a shaky Scott City defense, handing the Rams a 5-2 loss in a SEMO Conference game at Legion Field Wednesday.

The difference in the game was defense. Scott City (8-9) committed six errors -- mostly on routine plays while Jackson(11-7) had none.

The Indians managed only four hits.

"We're not hitting the ball as well as I'd like right now, but we're scrapping and battling," said Jackson coach Sam Sides. "We've got to put the ball in play and be more aggressive at the plate."

Lefty Josh Hopkins started for Jackson and went 5 2/3 innings. He allowed four hits, two walks, and struck out six. He gave up two runs in the top of the sixth inning on a two-out single by Scott Johnston, before giving way to Lucas McCulley who got the final out of the inning. McCulley pitched a 1-2-3 seventh to close out the win.

Scott City's Bill Posey, despite the betrayal of his defense, went the distance in pitching a four-hitter. He walked five and struck out three.

"We beat ourselves," said a dejected Scott City coach Mike Umfleet. "In big games, it seems like we find a way to lose."

As if losing the game wasn't enough, Scott City may have lost Lucas Ward for the rest of the season. Ward, covering second on a steal attempt, took a blow to the shoulder. He left the game and was taken immediately to receive medical attention for an apparent dislocated shoulder. He was scheduled to be Scott City's starting pitcher in the regular season finale against Cape Central today.

Jackson scored three runs in the third and two in the fourth.

Michael Birk led off the third with a double then scored on a throwing error when Tory Meyr reached on a bunt single. Meyr and Lucas McCulley, who walked, both scored on separate errors. Scott City committed four errors in the third inning.

In the fifth, Josh Hopkins reached on an error and scored on an error. Michael Birk, who reached on an error, scored on an RBI double by Nathan Brown.

Jackson, which plays at Sikeston today, received a fourth seed in the upcoming district playoffs and will meet Poplar Bluff on Monday.