Cape sweeps Perryville

Dustin Tatum had a solid night at the plate, but it was his defense that stole the show Monday.

The Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons center fielder turned in two highlight-reel catches to lead an American Legion doubleheader sweep of Perryville, 7-5 and 7-6 at Capaha Field.

Cape improved to 17-14 with the non-district victories while Perryville fell to 15-14.

Tatum homered in the first game, tripled in the second game and drove in four runs on the night but his offense was overshadowed by his defense.

In the first game, Tatum likely saved two runs -- and perhaps the victory, as it turned out -- when he left his feet coming in to catch a third-inning ball hit by Nathan Laurentius, which turned into an inning-inning double play.

While that grab was impressive, it paled in comparison to his effort in the second game when, fully extended, he made a leaping, twisting catch of a ball hit by Mark Scholl that appeared to already be past Tatum.

"Those were two unbelievable plays," Cape manager Tom Reinagel said. "You won't see a better catch than the second one. Dustin has really come around this summer."

Said the soft-spoken Tatum, "I didn't really think about it, I just ran and jumped. The first one wasn't that good but the second one was a lot better. I've been wanting to make a jumping catch like that."

Not to be outdone, Perryville third baseman Todd Webery made two dazzling, diving plays on ground balls in the second game, quickly scrambling to his feet to retire the runner both times.

Cape had the better of the offense all night, getting 21 hits to nine for Perryville, but Ford & Sons still had to work extremely hard to squeeze out two victories.

Particularly excruciating was the second game, when Cape carried a seemingly safe 7-1 lead into the seventh and final inning.

But, despite getting just one hit in the frame, Perryville rallied with five runs, taking advantage of five walks and a hit batter.

John Thies, Cape's third pitcher, was able to record the final three outs to earn a save, getting a fly ball with the bases loaded and two outs to end things. Thies was also the winner in the opener.

"It got a little too scary at the end," Tatum said.

Thies, in relief of starter Matt Wulfers, pitched no-hit, shutout ball over the final 4 2/3 innings of the opener, striking out seven and walking none.

Aaron Dohogne went 3-for-3, including a home run and double, to pace Cape's 10-hit attack. Seth Hudson and Timmy Wencewicz both had two hits while Kyle Diveley delivered two RBIs to match Tatum.

Andrew Meyr had two of Perryville's five hits. Aaron Weibrecht added two RBIs. Tim Winningham took the loss.

Wayne Essner pitched impressively for the win in the second game, allowing one run and three hits in six innings, with five strikeouts and no walks. Mark Wittenborn had control problems as he came on in the seventh, walking three, hitting a batter and retiring nobody before giving way to Thies, who walked two and allowed a double before shutting the door.

Hudson had three of Cape's 11 hits to finish with five on the night. Wulfers added two hits and two RBIs while Tatum had two RBIs.

Webery had two RBIs for Perryville, which had four hits. Jon Lorenz took the loss.

Cape visits Charleston tonight before playing its final regular-season home game Wednesday night against Sikeston.