Caps nip Pirates in 10th 6-5

Tom Bolen was an unlikely hero Friday night.

Bolen, the Cape Girardeau Craftsman Union Capahas right fielder, had struck out in his first four at-bats as he came to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning of a tie game at Capaha Field.

And it looked like Bolen might make it a perfect night in strikeouts when he fell behind in the count 1-2.

But Bolen smashed a single to left field, scoring Zach Borowiak from second base and lifting the Capahas to a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Tradewater Pirates from Dawson Springs, Ky.

The Capahas, avenging a 3-0 loss at Dawson Springs on June 11, improved to 14-4. The Pirates fell to 17-10.

"It was a tough night for me," said a smiling Bolen. "When you have four strikeouts, doubt starts to creep in. I was just glad to get a hit."

The Capahas no doubt felt fortunate to squeeze out a victory over the tough Pirates, who had an 11 to five advantage in hits and held the host squad hitless from the third inning until Bolen's game-winning single.

"It was a good game and they've got a hell of a team," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen, who is Tom's father.

Tradewater starter John Shelton, the first of three pitchers for the Pirates, was brilliant, striking out 12 in seven innings. He allowed four hits -- all in the first two innings -- and only two of the five runs he gave up were earned.

The Capahas also received stout pitching. Starter Richie Phillips gave up his first earned runs of the season, allowing four runs and eight hits in six innings, with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Justin Holmes allowed one run but no hits in 1 1/3 innings. He fanned two.

Mark Frazier got the win with 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing three hits while fanning six and walking one.

Denver Stuckey led the Capahas with two hits.

Jason Massey homered and had three hits for the Pirates. Jimmy Shoulders doubled twice.

In the bottom of the 10th, Borowiak reached on a one-out error and stole second. Brian Hopkins walked but the runners were still at first and second with two outs when Bolen came through.

The game featured a near-brawl in the top of the eighth inning. Both benches cleared and there was some pushing and shoving, but no punches were thrown.

"It was a heated game," Tom Bolen said.