CAPS NOTCH PAIR OF 'V'S OVER VALMEYER

Over the years, the Cape Girardeau Capahas have been noted for comeback victories.

Chalk up two more for the list.

Saturday afternoon, the McDowell Capahas used rallies in both games to sweep a doubleheader from visiting Valmeyer, Ill.

The Capahas posted 7-4 and 14-11 victories as they avenged Friday night's 5-4 loss to the Lakers and improved their record to 5-1.

But despite the wins, manager Jess Bolen was far from elated by his team's play. The Capahas, who were missing several key players, committed five errors.

"We won both games, but this is not the way we normally play," said Bolen, whose squad also had three errors during Friday's loss. "Our first three games we played good defense and then this weekend we kicked the ball around a lot.

"But this is definitely not the Capaha team people will see as the season goes on. We were missing some guys this weekend and we'll still have some other players join us."

One player who joined the Capahas for Saturday's action was second baseman Darrick Smith, the squad's most experienced veteran who has been with the team since 1984.

Smith was uncertain as to whether he would play at all this season but he ultimately decided he would. After going hitless in the opener, he had two hits and drove in two runs in the second game.

"I'll be paying for this tomorrow," said a laughing Smith after the doubleheader on a steamy afternoon at Capaha Field. "I'm sure I'll be really sore."

Said Bolen, "I'm glad Darrick decided to play again. He's the kind of veteran you like to have on your ballclub."

The Capahas trailed 3-1 entering the bottom of the sixth of Saturday's opener but they erupted for six runs, the decisive blow being pinch-hitter George White's two-run single that put McDowell ahead for good. Lance Craft added a two-run homer for some insurance.

Danny Simpher was the winning pitcher. He hurled all seven innings, allowing eight hits but just one earned run. Simpher struck out four and walked one.

The Capahas had nine hits, Mike Miller doubling twice and Tim Ellis adding two hits.

In the second game, the Capahas fell behind 5-0 in the first inning and they also trailed 9-8 after four innings, but a six-run fifth made the difference.

Steve Kress belted a three-run homer to highlight that fifth-inning explosion.

Julio Vega had three of the Capahas' 11 hits. Kress joined Smith in getting two hits while Kress also drove in four runs.

Shawn Pemberton drilled a three-run homer while Tom Bolen also added three RBIs.

Lanson DeBrock had his second strong relief outing of the weekend to get the win. DeBrock, after hurling 3 1/3 scoreless innings Friday night, allowed four hits and two runs in 3 1/3 innings Saturday.

Starter Joey Scholl allowed eight hits and nine runs (six earned) in 3 2/3 innings.

Like the Capahas, the Lakers also had 20 hits in the two games. Brett Crawford led the way with a pair of hits in each contest.

The Capahas will return to action Friday night when they play host to Murphysboro, Ill., in a 7:30 contest.