SHORTHANDED CHAFFEE WINS PAIR AT BLUFF

POPLAR BLUFF -- The Chaffee Medicap Pharmacy American Legion baseball team had only nine players for its doubleheader with host Poplar Bluff Saturday.

But that didn't prevent Chaffee from sweeping the District 14 twin bill, winning 7-6 and 6-2. Chaffee is now 13-3 overall and remained perfect in district play with an 8-0 record.

"The guys did a super job, considering how shorthanded we were," said Chaffee manager Jeff Graviett. "With only nine players, we were playing catchers in the infield. But we're playing very well right now and everybody got the job done."

In the opener, Chaffee had to wipe out an early 4-0 deficit. Josh Eftink pitched all seven innings for the win. He allowed five hits and only two earned runs while striking out four and walking two.

Chaffee had 12 hits, led by Jason Bickings with three. Eftink, Tommy Stidham and Dustin Dannenmueller all added two hits.

Stidham hurled all seven innings for the victory in the nightcap. He allowed four hits while fanning three and walking one.,

Chaffee had 10 hits in this game, led by Stidham, Jason Harrell and Adam Seyer with two each. Harrell belted a solo home run.

Chaffee now awaits a rugged week, beginning with Tuesday night's home doubleheader with district rival Sikeston. Chaffee will also play district foe Dunklin County this week. Those three squads are the top teams in the battle for the District 14 title.

"It's a big week for us, but for the first time all year, we should have everybody available," Graviett said. "This week will go a long way toward determining which team wins the (District 14 regular-season) title."

Chaffee Jr. Legion falls

CHAFFEE -- The Chaffee Junior American Legion baseball team dropped a doubleheader to Sikeston Friday night, 6-5 and 6-2.

Justin Simpher suffered the loss in the opener, giving up 10 hits and three walks while striking out five.

John O'Rourke, Perry Rice and Todd Friend each had two hits apiece for Chaffee.

In the nightcap, Adam Friga suffered the loss, but was the only player with two hits.

He allowed six hits and four walks, while fanning six.