Tigers turn back rival Jackson 6-4

~ Central claimed victory in a cold, error-prone game

Early-season high school baseball games accompanied by winter-like temperatures rarely make for artistic masterpieces.

So it was for Central and Jackson Tuesday afternoon as the teams combined for eight errors.

But that didn't detract from an exciting, back-and-forth affair between the arch rivals.

Nor did it detract from host Central's 6-4 victory in the SEMO Conference opener for both squads.

Central baserunner Ramsey Scott is forced out at home plate by Jackson catcher Jordan Hadden during the third inning of Tuesday’s game at Central. (Fred Lynch)

"It's always good to beat Jackson," sophomore pitcher Chase Hagerty said with a smile.

The Tigers snapped a four-game losing streak and improved to 4-4. The Indians fell to 4-2.

"It was a very good win for us. I was proud of them," Central coach Steve Williams said. "It's hard for high school kids, when you go to bed [Monday night] and there's snow on the ground. They figure there's not going to be a game.

"This morning I didn't think there was much of a chance we'd play. But we were able to get the field ready. I'm glad we played."

Jackson coach Tatum Kitchen, despite the loss, felt the same way.

Jackson catcher Jordan Hadden talks with pitcher Collin Herzog in the first inning.

"There was snow on the field this morning. It didn't look good. ... I'm glad we got the game in," Kitchen said.

Jackson's five errors, which led to four unearned runs by the Tigers, ultimately did in the Indians.

"When you make five errors, you're not going to beat anybody," Kitchen said.

Central's three errors accounted for two unearned runs by Jackson.

"Both teams made mistakes but both teams battled," Williams said.

Hagerty, who established himself as one of the area's top pitchers during an impressive freshman season last year, admittedly was not as sharp as usual.

But Williams credited Hagerty for toughing things out. He went all seven innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs. He struck out six, walked two and hit a batter.

"Chase was up in the strike zone, and with good hitters like Jackson ... but to his credit he found a way to battle through it," Williams said.

Hagerty was at his best late, holding the Indians to one hit and no runs over the final three innings.

"He's one of the best pitchers around," Kitchen said.

Said Hagerty: "I did not have my best stuff, but I had my changeup working today. That helped me out."

Hagerty also helped himself at the plate with a hit and two RBIs, which he is expecting himself to do more this season.

"I'm definitely going to see if I can contribute both ways this year," Hagerty said.

Left fielder Trevor Propst led Central's seven-hit attack by going 3 for 4. He singled in his final three plate appearances.

"Trevor had a great game. He's a very good situational hitter," Williams said.

Propst said it's not easy to hit in cold weather.

"You've got to battle through it. Just put the ball in play," he said.

Jackson's pitching was also solid. Starter Collin Herzog took the loss, allowing six hits and six runs -- two earned -- in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.

"I thought he threw well. We expect him to be a big part of our rotation," Kitchen said. "We just didn't play any defense behind him."

Ryan O'Rear finished up, striking out three and allowing one hit in 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Right fielder Cole Blanton went 2 for 2 to lead the Indians. Left fielder Trent Wills was 2 for 4.

Jackson scored twice in the top of the first inning. Williams led off with a double and later scored on an RBI ground out by third baseman Cody Harris. Shortstop Laban Petzoldt added an RBI single.

Two Jackson errors accounted for three unearned runs in the third inning as Central went ahead 3-2. Hagerty had an RBI single, while right fielder Matt Chism and second baseman Tyler Anderson also drove in runs.

The Indians came back with a two-run fourth inning to regain a 4-3 lead. Two errors led to both the runs being unearned. Wills had an RBI single.

Central answered immediately, going ahead for good with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. First baseman Ramsey Scott's RBI double tied the score, then Hagerty's RBI grounder was booted for an error -- there might have been a play at the plate -- to push the Tigers ahead.

Central added an unearned insurance run in the fifth inning.

"Cape is always a good team," said Kitchen, a Central High School graduate. "Coach Williams does such a good job. He's about the best coach around. ... of course I'm biased. I played for him."

Jackson 200 200 0 -- 4 6 5

Central 003 210 x -- 6 7 3

WP -- Chase Hagerty. LP -- Collin Herzog. 2B -- Trent Wills (J), Ramsey Scott (C). Multiple hits -- Jackson: Cole Blanton 2-2, Wills 2-4. Central: Trevor Propst 3-4. Records -- Jackson 4-2, Central 4-4.