Capahas sweep another doubleheader

The Cape Girardeau Craftsman Union Capahas are off to a 4-0 season start after sweeping another home doubleheader Sunday.

After winning twice against Valmeyer (Ill.) Saturday, the Capahas disposed of the St. Louis Printers 6-4 and 13-2 at Capaha Field.

"It's a good way to start the season," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "The Printers were missing some of their top players and they'll have a much better team next time we play them, but they always have a good ballclub and it's still nice to sweep them."

In the opener, Jon Nourie overcame some control problems to notch the victory. He allowed just one hit -- an infield single -- in four innings, but walked three and hit three batters as he gave up two runs. Nourie struck out three.

After Nathan Baker allowed two runs on four hits in two innings, Ricky Pecaut pitched a hitless seventh to nail down the victory and earn a save.

The Capahas had just seven hits in the opener -- all singles -- but five of them came during a six-run second inning that gave them a 6-0 lead and allowed them to hold off the Printers (2-3).

Denver Stuckey had a two-run single in the second while Lance Seasor and Gary Gilbert both added RBI singles. Gilbert was the only Capaha with two hits.

In the second game, the squads were tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning when the Capahas exploded for 10 runs to break things wide open.

The Capahas banged out 13 hits, led by Stuckey, Zach Borowiak, Brian Hopkins and Steve Kress with two each. Borowiak drove in three runs while Hopkins and Kress both added two RBIs.

Justin Simpher was the winner, allowing seven hits and an unearned run in six innings. He struck out five and walked one. Pecaut pitched the seventh, giving up no hits but one run.

The Capahas, after recording four double plays and committing no errors Saturday, had two more double plays Sunday and made just one error, that coming in the second game.

Cape Riverdogs split

The Cape Girardeau Riverdogs picked up their first win of the season Sunday as they split a doubleheader with the host Waterloo (Ill.) Buds.

After being run-ruled 14-1 in the opener, the Riverdogs (1-4) rebounded with an 11-5 victory behind the pitching of Tatum Kitchen, who allowed two hits and four runs in 5 2/3 innings.

The Riverdogs had 12 hits, led by Mark Silverthorn, Andrew DePeder and Steve Fowler with two each. Silverthorn homered and had three RBIs. Mark Fisher and Shane Gibson both added two RBI.

Jackson Legion sweeps

Jackson received stellar pitching and swept a Senior American Legion doubleheader from host Perryville Sunday, winning 4-3 and 2-0.

In the opener, Austin McDowell went all seven innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs while striking out six and walking one. Jackson (3-1) had eight hits, led by Jason Owen with three and Jason Meystedt with two. Brandon Gendron added two RBIs.

Meystedt was the story in the second game, striking out 16 in a complete-game two-hitter. Jackson had just three hits but broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning on RBI doubles by Kyle McMinn and Trevor Thompson.

Cape Jr. Legion falls

The Cape Girardeau Cliff's Rent To Own Junior American Legion team lost a doubleheader to host Sikeston Sunday, falling 8-7 in a District 14 game and 14-1 in a non-district game that ended early on the run rule.

In the opener, Tony Leuckel led Cape (5-3, 1-1 district) by going 3-for-4, including a triple. Blake Essner was the losing pitcher in relief, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Leuckel went 2-2 in the finale. Jeff Beard took the loss.

Jackson Jr. Legion splits

Jackson's Jr. American Legion split a doubleheader at Scott City Sunday, winning 10-2 and losing 9-7.

For Jackson (4-3) in the opener, Joel Penrod pitched a three-hitter. Sam Lincoln had two hits and Cameron Heath scored three runs.

In the second game, Jackson's Cody Bangert had two hits. Aaron Green took the loss.

-- From staff reports