Some early-season American Legion baseball thoughts

Don't put too much stock in Dunklin County Post 303's two losses at Jonesboro Tuesday evening.

While Tuesday's losses definitely stung -- Post 303 was outscored 32-10 in the twinbill sweep -- those losses came to a loaded Ricemen squad.

Jonesboro has seven players off of a Valley View High School team that won the Class 4A state title in Arkansas this spring. Jonesboro also draws several players from Nettleton High and Jonesboro High, both large schools with deep talent pools.

On the other side, Post 303 has scored 59 runs in its eight games, and has scored 10 or more runs three times. And despite Tuesday's losses, the pitching is there. Look for DC to do well at the Ricemen Classic that opens Thursday back in Jonesboro.

Meanwhile, the Dunklin County Redbirds have been rolling. With several players back from last summer's District XIV champion and others coming up from another undefeated Kennett junior high baseball team, the Redbirds are rapidly emerging as the team to beat in next month's district tournament, which will take place at Indian Park.

Dunklin County takes on a talented Charleston Fighting Squirrels squad Thursday evening at Indian Park in Kennett, two games that should be ones to watch.