onality in the scorecard from Mineola’s 4-3 district baseball loss to the Mt. Vernon Tigers last Friday. Every time the Tigers scored, there were errors recorded in the scorebook. In short, Mineola gave the game to Mt. Vernon. 

The errors masked what was an outstanding night on the mound for Mineola starter Ty Burch who went five innings and reliever Dalton Hamlin who went four innings. Burch gave up 3 hits, struck out 8 and issued 3 free passes; Hamlin gave up 2 hits, struck out 4, and lost 3. 

Also overwritten by the errors was some excellent hitting by the Jackets. Not only did they record 13 base hits on the night, but on several occasions, Mineola hitters fought through tough counts, often fouling off numerous pitches before coming up with a big hit. 

The pitching and hitting warranted a win. Unfortunately, the fielding and mental errors sunk Mineola’s aspirations. An overthrown at third (which went into the dugout hence giving Mt. Vernon a run), an errant  toss to get a runner doubled-off of third base after fielding a popped-up bunt, a booted ground ball and a line drive which glanced off of a glove accounted for three of Mt. Vernon’s four runs. 

On the base paths, too, the Jackets were off their game, having two runners gunned down at third base in plays that were not very close.

The Jackets went down 2-0 early. They put one run up in the third. Braydon Alley hammered a triple to right field and scored when DJ McDowell lofted a sacrifice fly. 

Spurred on by a great at bat by Zac Haskin in the bottom of the fourth, Mineola rallied. Jace Tyndell reached on a fielder’s choice and scored when Preston Haskin lined a single to center. The game was knotted 2-2.

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Alley shattered his bat and beat out an infield base hit. He scored from first as McDowell drove a ball into right field. McDowell was lost at third, and Mineola stranded one on base as the rally ended. 

With two outs in the top of the ninth, two fielding errors broke the 3-3 tie in Mt. Vernon’s favor. 

The Jackets stranded 13 runners in nine innings, in what was a frustrating night for the team. It’s baseball, and such things happen. No doubt the Jackets will take note of the errors but also consolation at the huge positives represented by their work on the mound and at the plate.  

The next chance to catch the Jackets at home is Friday versus Winona. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.