CAPAHAS ROMP PAST SALINE COUNTY 14-4 IN SEASON OPENER

The McDowell Capahas got their 2000 baseball season started with a bang Thursday night as they rolled past Saline County (Ill.) 14-4 in a seven-inning, run-rule game at Capaha Field.

Darin Kinsolving belted two long home runs -- one a grand slam -- and drove in six runs to pace a 12-hit McDowell attack.

Kevin Meyer had three hits and three RBIs while Phil Warren also had three hits. Shane Allen added two hits and two RBIs while Tom Bolen reached base four times, on three walks and a hit.

Matt Palmer was the winning pitcher. He worked the first five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and five walks. He struck out seven.

Chad Bogenpohl hurled a perfect sixth, fanning two, while Jerry Wolsey gave up a hit and a run in the seventh as he also fanned two.

"It was a good first game for us," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen. "Kinsolving hit two rockets."

The Capahas will host arch-rival O.B. Clark Saturday in a 5:30 p.m. doubleheader.