CAPE CENTRAL MAULS MULES

POPLAR BLUFF -- Cape Girardeau Central High's baseball team broke open a close game with 12 runs in the top of the fourth inning to hand the Poplar Bluff Mules a 16-5 defeat Wednesday afternoon.

Leading by only a 1-0 score up to that point, the Tigers used a combination of hits, walks, and defensive lapses to put the game out of reach.

Justin Welker started for Cape Central going 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by Justin Cook. Cook (4-1) got the win, allowing no runs in his 3 2/3 innings of work. He gave up four hits, fanned seven, and allowed no walks.

Cape Central banged 10 hits, with Rob Carr leading the attack with three hits and four RBIs. Richard Harrison contributed two doubles.

Cape Central's record improved to 9-4.

Central's JV squad plated three runs in the top of the seventh to score a 9-8 come-from-behind victory over the Mules.

Seth Hudson posted the win and Aaron Dohogne led the Tigers at the plate with three hits.