Capahas plate 21 runs in twin bill to improve to 3-0

~ Plaza Tire took advantage of using aluminum bats to sweep its doubleheader Saturday.

The Plaza Tire Capahas displayed plenty of offensive punch in sweeping a season-opening three-game series from the visiting Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers.

But that was with aluminum bats, which the Capahas don't use all that often. They generally swing with wood, which is mandated during National Baseball Congress-sanctioned events.

Plaza Tire manager Jess Bolen expects the style of play to change some beginning today, when the Capahas have a pair of games in Evansville, Ind., one against the host Outlaws and one against a squad from Indianapolis.

"Starting tomorrow, when I expect us to use wood, it'll be a different ballgame," Bolen said following Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Lakers at Capaha Field. "You'll see us bunt, hit and run more.

Capahas right fielder Zach Johnson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out during the first game Saturday. (Aaron Eisenhauer ~ aeisenhauer@semissourian.com)

"It will be more 3-2 games and that type, not some of these 10-8 games."

But the Capahas, who Saturday won 11-1 in a five-inning, run-rule game and prevailed 10-3 in seven innings -- after winning Friday's nine-inning season opener 11-8 -- said they enjoy the challenge of hitting with wood.

"I love it," third baseman Daryl Graham said. "I think we'll make the transition pretty well."

Added shortstop Robby Moore: "It's a lot different. You can't get the cheap hits with wood. But it works the same for both teams. I like hitting with wood."

Bolen generally only has his team use aluminum bats when the opponent swings exclusively that way, which was the case against Valmeyer.

The Capahas displayed plenty of authority at the plate all series long, capped by Saturday's sweep that featured 24 hits, including three home runs and seven doubles.

The Capahas had 34 hits, including five homers, 10 doubles and a triple in the series. In addition, they made just one error.

"It was a good weekend for us all the way around," Moore said. "But about 90 percent of us are coming right off a [college] season, so that makes a difference."

Of the Capahas' 20-man roster, 10 played this year for Southeast Missouri State, including Graham and Moore.

All told, 15 of Plaza Tire's players are Southeast products, including five who completed their eligibility prior to this year.

"We hit the ball pretty good," Bolen said. "You would expect the guys who played college ball this year to pick right up, but I was a little surprised that some of the guys who didn't play this year hit pretty good.

"And our pitching was good. It was a pretty good weekend for us to start the season, but I know Valmeyer was saving their top pitchers for their league games. Our competition will get a lot tougher."

Moore led the Capahas' offensive onslaught Saturday by going 5-for-8 with four runs scored and three runs batted in.

Graham homered and doubled twice, to go along with four runs scored and three RBIs.

Also getting three hits in the twin bill for the Capahas was Asif Shah, who homered and had four RBIs. Shah played for Southeast this year.

Jordan Payne also homered Saturday and had three RBIs, while Levi Olson added four RBIs. Both players completed their eligibility at Southeast in 2006.

The Capahas received two complete-game pitching performances from a pair of right-handers.

Chad Bogenpohl went all five innings in the 11-1, run-rule opener. The 1999 Southeast product allowed three hits, struck out five and walked one.

Brent Lawson, who completed his eligibility at Southeast this year -- he primarily played as a part-time outfielder and pitched just 10 2/3 innings -- worked all seven frames in the 10-3 nightcap.

Lawson allowed seven hits and two earned runs. He struck out seven and walked two.

"I thought both guys threw well," Bolen said. "Overall, it's a nice way for us to start the season."

Game 1

Capahas 11, Valmeyer 1, 5 innings

Valmeyer 100 00 -- 1 3 4

Capahas 360 02 -- 11 13 0

WP -- Chad Bogenpohl. LP -- Dakota Schutt. HR -- Asif Shah (C). 2B -- Garrett Rohlfing (V), Robby Moore (C), Omar Padilla (C), Levi Olson (C), Daryl Graham (C), Jordan Payne (C). Multiple hits -- Capahas, Moore 3-4, Padilla 2-4, Shah 2-4. Records -- Valmeyer 3-5, Capahas 2-0.

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Game 2

Capahas 10, Valmeyer 3

Valmeyer 030 000 0 -- 3 7 0

Capahas 000 082 X -- 10 11 1

WP -- Brent Lawson. LP -- Ray Brandt. HR -- Daryl Graham (C), Jordan Payne (C). 2B -- Graham (C), John Amschler (C). Multiple hits -- Valmeyer, Garrett Rohlfing 2-3; Capahas, Moore 2-4, Graham 2-2. Records -- Valmeyer 3-6, Capahas 3-0.