Jackson legion team in midst of learning process
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

JACKSON — The Jackson American Legion Post 504 baseball team will be looking to snap a two-game skid when they square off against teams from Brick Memorial and Point Pleasant Boro this Thursday and Friday.

“We had a little bit of a rough week,” coach Frank Malta said. “We had started the season quickly, getting a couple of victories under our belts. This past week, we found ourselves on the wrong side of a couple of losses. Still, the kids are working hard and there is a lot of fight in this group. If we get back to playing consistent baseball, we’ll get back on the right track.”

Jackson hosts Brick Memorial Thursday before going on the road to Point Pleasant Friday. Both games are scheduled for 5:45 p.m.

“Two good opportunities to turn things around,” Malta said. “This is an excellent chance for our kids to get some quality innings and work on their skills.”

Last week, a 17-1 setback to Toms River North was followed by a 6-2 loss to Brick Township. Jackson is now 3-3 overall.

The Toms River North game was marred by a number of defensive lapses, Malta said. Six of the first seven runs were unearned.

“We made some mistakes defensively in that game,” Malta said. “We did not field the ball well. Against a team of that caliber, mistakes are going to hurt you. We fell behind by a lot early and never recovered.”

In the loss to Brick Township, Malta sighted the relief work of sophomore lefty Sean Stimpfel as noteworthy. Stimpfel kept Brick batters off-balance by changing speeds and spotting his fastball. It was a solid outing for the youngster, Malta said.

“He gave us some quality innings in that game,” Malta said. “He’s got very good stuff and he is a competitor. He went right after their batters. Brick is always a good hitting team. Sean did an excellent job of holding them in check and giving us a chance to get back in the game.”

Offensively, Jackson managed to scrape together single runs in the second and third innings. Jackson had a difficult time getting to the Brick Township pitcher.

“They threw a kid at us who had a very solid game,” Malta said. “We only managed a couple of hits off him, but we still had some other scoring opportunities that we didn’t cash in on. We need to put the ball in play when we have runners on.”

Malta views the summer season as an opportunity for kids to get extended playing time.

“Of course we want to win,” Malta said. “But this summer season also gives me a chance to give some players a longer look and see what they can do. We want players to get their innings and at-bats during this time. It’s my first year at the high school, and I’m still learning the players and getting feel for what they are capable of doing.”