Jasper turns back Silsbee 5-3
Crucial contest looms with Bridge City Friday on the road
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S JUSTIN PARSONS scampers back to first base on a pickoff attempt against Silsbee. Jasper defeated the Tigers 5-3 to move in a first place tie with Bridge City.

After losing to Silsbee in the first round of district play, Friday night's 5-3 win was sweet victory for the Bulldogs. The win puts Jasper and Bridge City tied for the district lead at 10-2.

Silsbee led 1-0 after the first inning. In the bottom of the second, Jasper outfielder Justin P a r s o n s walked, Ryan Ellis bunted him to second, and Chantz Pryor brought him home. Pryor stole second and Blake W e l l e r - A l e x a n d e r scored him.

Silsbee scored again in the top of the third, but the Bulldogs answered in the bottom of the inning. Aaron Stephenson led off with a walk, Taylor Hart bunted him to second, Malcolm Bronson's infield hit moved him to third, and pitcher Travis Reagan drove him in on a single. Tyler Earnest went in to run for Reagan. With two outs, shortstop Ellis singled to left field, bringing in Bronson from third base. Chantz Pryor followed Reagan and Ellis with another hit to left field that brought in Ernest, giving the Bulldogs a 5-2 lead.

Newsboy photos/Georgia Purdy JASPER CATCHER BLAKE WELLER-ALEXANDER applies a late tag to a Silsbee runner during Friday's 5-3 Jasper victory.The run counted despite Weller-Alexander's pleas with the home plate umpire.The Bulldogs will travel to Bridge City Friday to take on the Cardinals in a game for the District 21-3A title.

Jasper pitcher Travis Reagan threw a complete game. He gave up three runs on eight hits and struck out five.

"I think Travis did a good job of keeping us in the g a m e , " C o a c h S h a w n Mixon said. " He also pitched out of some tough situations."

T h e T i g e r s scored an additional run in the sixth inning, outhitting the 'Dogs 8 to 6. Pitcher Joel Schooling struck out nine and allowed five runs on six hits.

"Schooling has thrown against us several times and he is a good pitcher," Mixon said. "We face some of the best pitching in the state in this district."

Going into Friday night's game, Jasper, Bridge City and Silsbee were in a three-way tie for first place in District 23-3A.

"We had to have that game," Mixon said. "I am pleased with the way we played defense. If we're going to play awhile, we are going to have to keep playing defense like that."

Jasper played Kirbyville last night and Bridge City played Hardin-Jefferson. The 'Dogs and the Cardinals face each other Friday night at Bridge City.

The district outcome still hinges on next week's games since both Hardin- Jefferson and Silsbee, at 9- 3, are one game out.

"After Tuesday's games, the picture with either clear or be a mess," Mixon said. "If we beat Kirbyville and Bridge City beats Hardin-Jefferson, then both Jasper and Bridge City clinch a spot in the playoffs. If Hardin- Jefferson beats Bridge City, then it's possible that four teams (Jasper, Silsbee, Bridge City, and Hardin- Jefferson) could finish 10- 3."

Mixon said there is no other district in the state where the outcome is still anyone's guess.

"All of the other districts have clear winners and most of the winners have a sizable lead," he said. "This is probably the toughest the district in the state."

Game time Friday is 6:30 p.m.

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S Blake Weller-Alexander makes the throw to Chantz Pryor at first base in a close play during the Bulldogs' 5-3 victory over Silsbee. Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy AFTER THE WIN, student supporters form a human arch to escort the team off the field.