Jasper bounces back against H-F
BC hands Dawgs first district loss
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S JUSTIN PARSONS dives back to first base before a tag by the Hamshire-Fannett first baseman. Jasper defeated H-F 6-2 to move to 2-1 in early district play.

With only three games into district play, the Jasper Bulldogs are finding that every team is revved up to beat last year's 3A state champions. At Bridge City last Tuesday night, intensity was like a play-off game, Coach Shawn Mixon said, and the Cardinals walked away with a 4-3 win.

Hamshire-Fannett came to town Friday night with the same thing on their minds, but the Bulldogs triumphed 6-2. They are now 13-3 on the season and 2-1 in District 21- 3A.

"The season is just what we thought it would be," Mixon said. "Every game is a big game. We'll be alright. We're still inconsistent at this point, but the guys are playing hard. Everyone is going to be up when they play us.

Justin Parsons threw the entire game against Bridge City. He had seven strikeouts, gave up five hits and five walks.

Jasper led 1-0 until the bottom of the fifth inning when the Cards scored three runs.

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S TAYLOR HART lays down a bunt during the Bulldogs' victory over Hamshire-Fannett last week.

The 'Dogs answered in the top of the seventh with two runs and tied the score. In the bottom of the seventh, the Cardinals' leadoff hitter walked and the next batter singled to left field and drove in the winning run.

Ty Parker was three for thee with a home run. Taylor Hart doubled and brought in two runs; Tyler Ernest was two for three.

"Both teams played well and played hard," Mixon said. "It was a typical Jasper-Bridge City game as far as intensity. We've developed quite a good rivalry so it was a play-off type atmosphere. Of course, we are disappointed, but we'll play them again."

Hamshire-Fannett put up a single run with starting pitcher Aaron Stephenson on the mound. Jasper came back in the second inning with two runs to make it a 2-1 ballgame.

After three innings, Cord Yates came to the mound in the fourth and threw the remainder of the game. Yates gave up one run on two hits and no walks.

The Longhorns came back with another run in the top of the fifth inning, tying the game 2-2.

In the bottom of the fifth, Parker Phillips was hit by a pitch, putting him on first base. Tyler Ernest got an infield hit, and Taylor Hart singled. Now the bases were loaded when outfielder Malcolm Bronson stepped to the plate. Despite a strong wind from the south, Bronson whacked a grand slam, giving the Bulldogs a 6-2 victory. He was two for three for the night.

"Malcolm's grand slam was the highlight of the night," Mixon said. "Cord Yates also did a good job pitching for us. It was a good game. These guys just find a way to win."

The Bulldogs had eight hits to the Longhorns' five.

Jasper played West Orange-Stark last night and will be at home Thursday, instead of the usual Friday, against Hardin-Jefferson. Game time is 7 p.m.