Caps get two more victories

Craftsman Union Capahas manager Jess Bolen knew it would not be easy for his team to finish off a six-game weekend sweep Sunday as the Evansville (Ind.) Outlaws visited Cape Girardeau.

Bolen was right -- the Capahas had some difficulties. But they still managed to win both ends of the doubleheader, 6-2 and 4-2.

The Capahas, who also swept doubleheaders Friday and Saturday, improved their record to 23-1. The Outlaws fell to 17-13.

"Evansville always has a nice team and these were two good ballgames," Bolen said. "It's tough to win six games in one weekend, I don't care who you're playing."

In the opener, the Capahas built an early 6-0 lead and cruised to victory behind the pitching of Justin Simpher (4-0). Simpher, working all seven innings, allowed five hits while striking out three and walking two.

"I couldn't hit my spots today, but I worked around it and we played great defense," Simpher said, noting three double plays the Capahas turned.

Craftsman Union had 10 hits, led by Dave Lawson and Steve Kress with two each. Lawson doubled and drove in a run while Kress, Gary Gilbert, Lance Seasor and Wade Hansford had the other RBIs.

Second game closer

The second game was much more difficult for the Capahas, who trailed 2-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning. But they used four hits to score three runs and go ahead for good. Jon Payne's single drove in Gilbert with the tie-breaking run.

Jon Nourie (4-0) was the winner in relief of starter Ricky Pecaut. Nourie worked the final four innings, allowing two hits and no runs, with seven strikeouts and three walks. Pecaut gave up three hits and two runs in three innings.

"I thought Nourie threw the ball well," Bolen said. "And Simpher has been pitching really good for us."

The Capahas had nine hits, led by Tom Bolen with two. Josh Eftink and Seasor joined Payne in delivering RBIs.

Lawson finished the day with three of the Capahas' 19 hits.

"We're playing good baseball," Lawson said. "Everything seems to be clicking right now."

Added Seasor, "We're playing good and we're manufacturing runs."

Noteworthy

Eftink, a former Notre Dame Regional High School standout who had a big season at Jefferson College in Hillsboro this year, plans to sign with defending NCAA Division II national champion Central Missouri State.

Eftink began his college career at Southeast Missouri State University before transferring to the junior college in Hillsboro.

The Capahas will now have a few days off before playing this weekend in a tournament in Valmeyer, Ill.

"We could use some time off now," Jess Bolen said.