Jays baseball advances to district championship game

COLUMBIA - The Jefferson City Jays scored three runs in each of the first two innings Monday on their way to a 9-4 victory against the Sedalia Smith-Cotton Tigers in the semifinals of the Class 5 District 9 Tournament at Hickman.

Jake Pridgin, Grant Wood and Gerritt Shirts all had three hits to lead the Jefferson City offense. Ripken Dodson added two hits, while Adam Grunden drove in three runs.

Jefferson City, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, led 7-4 after five innings before playing two insurance runs in the sixth against second-seeded Smith-Cotton (20-5).

Travis Hennessy was the starter and winner for Jefferson City.

With the win, the Jays (19-11) advance to the district championship game today against top-seeded Rock Bridge (26-5). Rock Bridge defeated Hickman 7-2 in Monday night's second semifinal.

It's the second straight district title game appearance for Jefferson City.

The Jefferson City-Rock Bridge winner will host the District 10 champion in the sectionals Tuesday, May 26.