CAPS EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO NINE GAMES

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Craftsman Union Capahas pushed their winning streak to nine games here Saturday as they swept a doubleheader from host Springfield, rolling 11-3 in the opener and prevailing 4-2 in the nightcap.

"We're really playing good baseball," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen, whose squad improved to 27-7.

The Capahas banged out 14 hits in the first-game romp, led by Josh Eftink with three. Eftink homered and drove in two runs. Tom Bolen, Chris Sledge, Dan Berry and Scott Reinagel all added two hits. Bolen and Reinagel each had two RBIs.

Three Craftsman Union pitchers combined on an eight-hitter. Starter Lanson Debrock was the winner, allowing one hit in three shutout innings. Aaron Gurley gave up two hits and one run in two innings while Craig Ringwald was touched for five hits and two runs in two innings.

Pitcher Brent Self was the story of the more competitive second game as he worked all seven innings on an extremely hot day, allowing just one hit. Self struck out seven and walked five.

Self walked three and hit two batters in the second inning as Springfield scored both its runs. But Self sparkled otherwise and he retired the final seven batters of the game.

"Brent had one bad inning where he was wild, but other than that he really pitched a good game," Bolen said.

Eftink, Berry and Kevin Meyer all had two of the Capahas' 10 hits. Berry and Sledge delivered two RBIs apiece.

The Capahas will take on Evansville, Ind., today in a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Capaha Field that will mark the end of the Craftsman Union home schedule.