Cape Ford & Sons falls into elimination game

The first round of the American Legion Zone 4 tournament Thursday did not go the way host Cape Girardeau Ford and Sons hoped.

Two errors left Cape in an early hole and then a fifth-inning offensive outburst helped break things open in Festus' 15-4 victory at Capaha Field in a game stopped after six-and-a-half innings by the 10-run rule.

In Thursday's other first-round game, Oakville routed Anheuser-Busch of St. Louis 12-2, also in six-and-a-half innings.

Oakville advances to today's 8:30 p.m. winner's bracket final against either Festus or Dunklin County, who play at 1 p.m. today. Dunklin County had a first-round bye in the five-team tournament. Cape plays Anheuser-Busch at 10 a.m. today in an elimination game.

"It was tough game for us but we've just got to get ready and try to bounce back," Cape manager Tom Reinagel said.

Festus (30-12) scored two unearned runs in both the second and fourth innings, but Cape (21-17) stayed close and trailed just 4-2 entering the bottom of the fifth.

But then the roof caved in for the host squad. Festus banged out six big hits during an eight-run uprising -- getting a three-run triple from Sam Hahn and a three-run double from Jeff Melton -- to go up 12-2 and end any suspense.

Hahn and Melton both went 3-for-3 to lead Festus' 12-hit attack. Melton drove in four runs and Hahn had three RBIs.

Left-hander Jake Habsiger allowed three hits and one earned run in six innings. He struck out 11 and walked five.

"Jake did a really good job," Festus manager Pat Bone said. "It's always nice to win that first game."

Timmy Wencewicz had two of Cape's four hits and drove in two runs.

John Thies suffered the loss, allowing six runs but just two earned in four-plus innings. Thies allowed just four hits but was hurt by six walks.

After Thies was relieved by Wayne Essner in the big fifth inning, Festus broke loose as Essner was charged with nine runs on seven hits.

Oakville 12, Anheuser-Busch 2

Oakville (34-9) shelled touted pitcher Ron Martin for 11 runs and 13 hits in less than six innings.

Oakville finished with 15 hits.

"We've really been hitting the ball well the last few games," Oakville manager Ryan Hetzer said.

Adam Twellman and Kyle Klob both had three hits for Oakville. Andy Hecht had four RBIs.

Jason Murray pitched all seven innings, allowing four hits. Josh Morgan homered for Anheuser-Busch (22-13).

mmishow@semissourian.com

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