Staff report

SHELBY — Rowan County’s Southeast Regional champions fell in their first outing at the 90th American Legion World Series here Thursday at Keeter Stadium.

Rowan jumped on top of Rockport, Ind., the Great Lakes Regional champs, 3-0, in the first inning, but scored no more and lost, 6-3.

Rowan led, 3-1, after five innings but defensive lapses in the sixth inning led to three runs for Rockport. More defensive problems aided the Indiana champs in the seventh frame, as they scored two more runs for the 6-3 advantage.

John Owen, Rowan’s starting pitcher, gave up all six runs, but three were unearned. He allowed seven hits over the same amount of innings.

Rockport starter Andrew Hayden weathered the early Rowan storm and settled down, pitching seven innings and allowing just five hits and one earned run.

Chandler Blackwelder led Rowan at the plate with two hits.

Rowan returns to action on Friday at 4 p.m., taking on the Central Plains Regional champ from Omaha, Neb.