Capahas split two games at Valmeyer tourney

The Capahas split a pair of games Friday and Saturday at the Valmeyer tournament in Valmeyer, Illinois, including Friday's 4-3 win over the defending tournament champion St. Louis Spikes.

The Spikes and Capahas met in the tournament championship last season, but Southeast Missouri State graduate Dylan Lynn threw a complete game and had six strikeouts and two walks to lead the Capahas to victory this time around.

"It was a great ball game," Capahas coach Jess Bolen said. "... Dylan Lynn pitched great in the game. He had a really good slider and just threw great."

Lynn allowed six hits and three runs -- all earned -- in the win, while former Oran standout Alex Heuring got things started for the Capahas in the top of the first inning with a two-run home run.

Former Jackson star Laban Petzoldt provided a two-run homer for the Capahas in the top of the fifth before the Spikes added two runs in the bottom of the sixth.

The Capahas and Millstadt, Illinois, combined for 36 hits and 29 runs on Saturday as Millstadt won 17-12.

After the Capahas' Adam Connor hit a three-run home run to tie the game at 3-all in the top of the fourth, Millstadt scored five runs in the bottom of the frame and cruised to victory.

Lance Young took the loss for the Capahas, who committed five errors on the game. Young went 3 2/3 innings, struck out four batters, walked none and allowed five runs -- all earned -- and nine hits. Brady Wright, Calvin Lovig and Ross James combined to pitch 4 1/3 innings, allowing 12 runs -- seven earned.

"I thought we'd actually play [Friday] like we did today with all the rainouts and everything," Bolen said. "We played a great game [Friday] and just didn't have it today. That happens. I've been doing this a long time, and that just happens. But I really liked that we didn't quit."

The Capahas combined for 16 hits, led by Southeast graduate Kenton Parmley's four singles. Connor finished 3 for 5, Heuring added a pair of doubles and Petzoldt and Drew Morecraft each had two base hits.

"I was OK with the way we played," Bolen said. "Errors are a part of the game. "... With a good-hitting ball club, you just can't give four or five outs."

The Capahas will vie for third place at 12:30 p.m. today.