Cape encounters 11-7 loss in season opener

Michael Minner's debut as the head coach of Cape Girardeau's Ford & Sons American Legion baseball team did not result in a victory.

But Minner, a Central High School product who was an assistant coach with the squad last summer, still expects big things despite Monday's 11-7 loss to Festus at Capaha Field.

"I'm very optimistic," said Minner, who recently completed his first year as an assistant coach at Charleston High School after graduating from college. "It's my first time being a head coach. I'm going to learn from the kids and they're going to learn from me."

Although Cape lost some strong talent from last year's team that finished third in the state, the squad's 18-man roster is still a nice blend of returning players and newcomers.

Several of Cape's top players missed the season opener because of a senior trip, but Minner still liked the way Ford & Sons batted against a perennially strong Festus squad that jumped out to an 11-2 lead in the fourth inning.

"Festus has a darn good team," Minner said. "We could have laid down, but we hung in there."

One of the bright spots for Cape was the pitching of Michael Taylor, who relieved starter Wayne Essner in the top of the third inning.

Taylor went the rest of the way, allowing three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out three and did not issue a walk, although he hit two batters.

"Mike did well for us last year and he's put on some meat. He'll be one of our top pitchers," Minner said.

Essner allowed eight runs (seven earned) and five hits in 2 1/3 innings.

Festus won despite making six errors that led to three unearned runs for Cape. But the visitors had an 11-9 advantage in hits.

Zac Shy belted a two-run homer in the first inning as Festus never trailed. He had two hits and three RBIs. Also getting two hits for Festus were Zac Bone, Cody Whitehead and Johnny Lyons. Drew Horrell added three RBIs.

Tyler Schmitz was the winning pitcher, allowing all of Cape's hits and runs in 5 2/3 innings. Dave Williams earned a save with 3 1/3 innings of hitless relief.

Sean Bard led Cape with three hits. Cory Huskey had two hits and two RBIs.

Trailing 11-2 after the top of the fourth, Cape made things interesting and used a three-run sixth to pull within 11-7. But Williams came on after Huskey's two-run single and closed the door.