SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Chicago's Pierce Jones hit three home runs Thursday, including a first-inning leadoff shot, to lead the Jackie Robinson West team to a 12-2 victory over Lynnwood of Washington state.
Jones also tripled and finished with four RBIs. Shortstop Ed Howard added a two-run homer in the second inning. The game was shortened from six innings to five because of a 10-run margin after at least four innings.
Chicago scored five runs in the third inning. Logan Kruse relieved Ian Michael, and Chicago capitalized on a passed ball and other misplays behind the plate.
For Chicago, pitcher Joshua Houston settled down after Lynnwood scored two in the first. Houston went four innings, striking out seven and giving up two hits.
