Capahas sweep doubleheader from Valmeyer for 3-0 start

Eric Horstman was Southeast Missouri State University's leading hitter this year, although he's not known for his power.

But the slender Horstman flexed his muscles Saturday, belting a grand slam in the bottom of the six inning of the opener to propel the Plaza Tire Capahas to a doubleheader sweep of the visiting Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers at Capaha Field.

The Capahas prevailed 6-4 and 6-1 in a pair of seven-inning games as they began their season with a 3-0 record, which includes Friday's 19-5 victory over the Lakers. Plaza Tire concludes its opening homestand with today's 1 p.m. doubleheader against Springfield (Ill.).

"It's a good way to start the season," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "I think we're getting better, but with so many new players, it's going to take some time."

Horstman is one of many first-year Capahas. The junior college transfer was also a rookie for Southeast this season, and he led the squad in batting average (.368), hits (84), runs scored (61), triples (five), on-base percentage (.443) and stolen bases (13, in 17 attempts). He also had 19 doubles and 31 RBIs, but only two home runs.

Saturday, with the Capahas trailing 4-2 in the sixth inning, Horstman -- who played left field for Southeast but is Plaza Tire's center fielder -- ripped a home run with the bases loaded. The ball sailed well beyond the right-field fence.

"I don't hit many home runs. I'm more of a leadoff guy, getting on base as much as possible," said Horstman, a left-handed hitter who bats leadoff for the Capahas. "I was looking for something to drive in the gap. I got an inside, belt-high fastball and it felt good when I hit it."

Horstman went 3-for-4 in the opener as the Capahas had seven hits. Kyle Perry was the winning pitcher, allowing four hits and two earned runs in six innings. He struck out six and walked six. Josh Parham worked a perfect seventh to pick up a save.

The Capahas had an easier time in the nightcap, building a 4-1 lead after three innings. Once again Plaza Tire had seven hits, led by Tom Bolen's 3-for-3 performance that included two doubles. Josh Eftink added two hits. Bolen, the manager's son, finished the day with a team-high four hits.

"We're starting to come together and getting to know everybody," Tom Bolen said. "This is a good way for us to start the season."

Matt Stroup got the second-game win, allowing two hits and one run in four innings, with two strikeouts and four walks.

Parham, a Jackson High School product who plays for Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College, earned his second save of the day with three scoreless innings. He gave up one hit while striking out five and walking one.

"I thought Josh looked really good," Jess Bolen said. "Both our catchers today said his ball was really moving."