Staff photo by Mike Buhler Dunklin County's Trey Bazzell connects for a base hit during the first game of Thursday's District XIV Junior American Legion doubleheader against Jackson at Indian Park. [Click to enlarge]

One night after scoring 34 runs in a doubleheader against Dexter, the Dunklin County Redbirds were stymied in a 7-3 loss to District XIV foe Jackson before posting 18 runs in the nightcap of the twin bill.

Jackson starting pitcher Brett Thomas was crafty in six innings of work in game one, scattering seven hits and give walks while striking out three and allowing just one run to a Dunklin County lineup that has routinely battered teams via the 10-run rule.

"He [Thomas] threw well. He had a good fastball," said Dunklin County head coach Aaron New. "Basically, he made pitches when he had to make pitches, so I tip my hat to him. He did a good job."

Staff photo by Mike Buhler Dunklin County's Daniel Lockhert delivers a pitch during the first game of Thursday's District XIV Junior American Legion doubleheader against Jackson at Indian Park. [Click to enlarge]

Dunklin County's trouble wasn't getting runners on; it was knocking them in. The Redbirds stranded 12 runners in game one, and eight of those runners were left in scoring position.

"We had plenty of runners, we just couldn't get that big hit to drive them in," New said. "Our guys were locked in and had good at-bats all night. Their pitcher just made pitches when he had to."

Dunklin County pitchers didn't fare as well.

Daniel Lockhert was saddled with the loss in four-plus innings. The Kennett native surrendered four runs -- three earned -- on four hits. Of the four batters Lockhert walked, two came around to score.

Dylan Lynn relieved Lockhert in the fourth, but the righty only recorded one out before having to be replaced by Trey Bazzell.

Four of Jackson's seven runs were scored by players who reached by a walk.

"In all of the games we've lost this year, we walked seven or more guys," New said. "With our defense, if our pitchers come out and throw strikes then we have a good chance to win. Tonight, we gave them too many base runners and they were able to take advantage of it."

Jackson held the lead from the beginning as they scored an unearned run in the first. After tacking on a run in the fourth, Jackson put the game away with four runs in the fifth to build a 6-0 advantage over the defending district champions.

The Redbirds tried to battle back by loading the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the fifth, but only one run came across after a double play thwarted their hopes of a big inning.

Jackson added another run in the seventh, and Dunklin County chipped away with two runs of their own, but they came up short, 7-3.

Andrew Hooper led the Redbirds at the plate, singling three times. Bazzell, Cameron Wallance, Andy Lack and Joe Campbell each recorded a hit. Billy Fender and Adam Grantham each recorded an RBI.

In game two, Dunklin County took advantage of 14 walks to pummel Jackson, 18-5.

The Redbirds poured on 13 runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach.

Seth Littrell capped the offensive outburst in the bottom of the sixth inning when he launched the first pitch of the at-bat well beyond the left field fence for a grand slam to enforce the 10-run rule.

Seven different Redbirds recorded RBIs in the game, and all nine starters scored at least one run.

Dunklin County (33-7, 5-2 District XIV) will get a much-needed day off today before traveling to Paragould, Ark., Saturday for a doubleheader at 5:30 p.m.