CAPAHAS SWEEP DOUBLEHEADER WITH VALMEYER

Valmeyer, Ill. -- The Craftsman Union Capahas coasted to a 14-2 win in the opener of a doubleheader but barely snatched the nightcap -- literally -- against Valmeyer Saturday.

With the Caps (30-7) leading 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Valmeyer had runners at first and third with one out.

Valmeyer attempted a suicide squeeze play, but the batter popped it up toward the first-base line. Catcher Tristen McDonald reached up and snagged the ball with his bare hand. Not aware of the runner coming home, McDonald threw to first but the runner got back in time. But the Caps doubled the runner at third and the game ended.

The Capahas used a two-out, two-run single by McDonald in the top of the seventh to take the lead after Josh Eftink homered with two outs in the sixth to close the Caps' deficit to 2-1.

Brent Self picked up the win. He pitched three shutout innings and allowed two hits and a walk while striking out two.

In the first game, the Caps used a nine-run fourth inning thanks to a big error that opened the floodgates.

Dave Lawson had three hits and two RBIs, while Denver Stuckey who made a diving catch to his right at shortstop in the second game hit a three-run homer and had two hits in the first game. Chris Sledge also had two hits.

Richie Phillips picked up the win, going four innings. He allowed no runs, two hits and one walk while striking out three.

With the sweep, the Caps won their 12th straight game.

Bandits reach title game

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- The Cape County Bandits, a 12-and-under baseball team, advanced to the championship game of the USSSA World Series Friday with a pair of victories.

The Bandits improved to 8-0 in the tournament with a 17-1 victory over Murfreesboro, Tenn., and a 6-2 win over the Manhattan (Kan.) Mariners. The Bandits (39-7) will play in today's noon championship game.