CAPAHAS COMPLETE BIG WEEKEND WITH VICTORY

The McDowell Capahas wrapped up a successful weekend by defeating the Springfield (Ill.) Pally's 6-1 Sunday afternoon in the first game of a doubleheader at Capaha Field.

McDowell also appeared to be on its way to a win in the nightcap before rain halted play after four innings. The Capahas, needing three outs for an official game, led 5-2.

The Capahas and Pally's -- a team made up primarily of players from Lincoln Land (Ill.) Community College -- had split a twin bill Saturday. The Capahas began the weekend homestand Friday night by beating Fairview Heights (Ill.).

"It was a good weekend for us," said Capahas manger Jess Bolen, whose squad is now 11-4. "We had some really good games and our pitching was very impressive."

Lanson Debrock improved his personal record to 4-0 -- and notched his second victory of the weekend -- by pitching a four-hitter Sunday. Debrock, who got the win Friday night in relief, struck out one and walked two.

"Lanson pitched well," Bolen said.

The Capahas' 11-hit attack was paced by Steve Kress and Cory Crosnoe, who both had three hits.

McDowell trailed 1-0 after three innings but took the lead for good with a two-run fourth, getting RBI singles from Crosnoe and Darrick Smith. The Capahas added three runs in the fifth and one in the sixth.

In the rain-shortened second game, Danny Simpher was working on a two-hitter and he had allowed just one earned run.

Once again the Capahas fell behind early, trailing 2-0 entering the bottom of the third inning. McDowell got three in the third and two in the fourth before the rains came.

"It wasn't a real heavy rain, but it made the field just slick enough that it would have been dangerous to play," said Bolen.