By Mike Bialka
Contributing Writer
JORDAN – St. Joseph right-hander Joey Atkinson tossed a one-hitter as the Joes blanked the Jackson Bulls in the opening round of the Class C state tournament Sunday at the Mini-Met.
A second-inning single by Jackson first baseman Chris Gumto was the only hit Atkinson surrendered. He retired 19 of the last 20 Bulls in order.
Atkinson walked one batter in the third and another in the ninth. He finished with nine strikeouts. Jackson managed only five baserunners the entire game.
Big blow for the Joes was by second baseman Tanner Staller who slugged a two-run homer to right in the second. The blast scored Joey Atkinson who had preceded Staller with a double.
Staller was the only player on either team with two hits.
St Joseph plays the Buffalo Bulldogs 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Belle Plaine in the second round.
