CAPE CENTRAL NOTCHES FIRST WIN OF SEASON

POPLAR BLUFF -- Cape Central uncorked its offense with a seven-run inning Saturday, defeating Poplar Bluff 10-5 for its first victory of the season.

Cape Central (1-2) which encountered losses to Chaffee and Harrisburg, Ill., earlier in the week, used the pitching of Matt Welker to find the victory column.

Welker, a senior, went the distance, striking out eight, walking one and allowing seven hits.

After the teams traded first-inning runs, Cape Central moved ahead 2-1 in the fourth inning. The Tigers then put together five hits and four walks in a seven-run fifth for a 9-2 lead.

Mark Fisher, who finished with three hits and three RBIs, had a two-run double in the uprising. Bill Posey added three hits on the game and T. J. Erlacher had two hits. Cape Central lashed out 11 hits overall.

Cape Central coach Steve Williams saw his team play well in a 4-3 loss to Chaffee, but struggle in a 9-1 loss to Harrisburg.

"We had no errors and only one walk, and to be in the game from beginning to end, you have to be very pleased as a coach," said Williams.

Welker's sophomore brother Justin hurled Central to an 11-1, five-inning victory in the JV contest. Welker struck out 12, walked six and allowed just one hit. He also had three hits while teammate Travis Wissman had two. Central's JV improved to 2-0.