Dukes drop one at home: Newman, Oregon, Fulton lose regional openers

Jake Blackburn struggled on the mound for the first time this season as the Dixon Dukes lost 8-5 to United Township on Monday at Veterans Memorial Field.

The Dukes (15-15) outhit the Panthers 14-9, but a four-run second inning and a three-run seventh lifted UT to victory.

Nick Emmole had two singles, two doubles and an RBI to lead Dixon’s offense, and Brendan Gould ripped a solo home run in the seventh. Blackburn (5-4) struck out six, walked four and hit a batter in a complete game performance.

Class 2A Morrison Regional

Riverdale 14, Newman 3: Chase Young, Josh Keig and Collin Keppy each smacked home runs for the Rams in a five-inning win at Port Byron.

Tim Wilson and Ryan Olson each had two hits for Newman (6-13). Stephen Wilson (3-2) was the losing pitcher.

Class 2A Stillman Valley Regional

Genoa-Kingston 8, Oregon 1: Ben Bruns and Don Jensen had doubles for the Hawks in a loss to the Cogs at Genoa. Bruns was the losing pitcher.

Class 1A Galena Regional

River Ridge 2, Fulton 0: Jason Manning pitched a two-hitter for the Steamers, who had just three hits in a loss at Hanover.

Monday’s stars

• Nick Emmole, Dixon, 4 hits, 2 doubles, RBI

• Jason Manning, Fulton, tossed a 2-hitter in loss

• Tim Wilson and Ryan Olson, Newman, 2 hits each