CENTRAL BASEBALL NABS WIN AT FESTUS

FESTUS -- Cape Girardeau Central High's baseball team took advantage of control problems by Festus' pitchers to win its sixth consecutive game, a 6-1 road victory Saturday afternoon.

Central (8-2) collected four hits, but was also helped by seven walks and three hit batsmen. The Tigers' first four runs were the result of players either being walked or hit by a pitch and then coming around to score.

"We did a good job moving the runners since we weren't really hitting the ball today," said Central coach Steve Williams.

Tiger starting pitcher Brandon West turned in a strong performance, going the distance and allowing just two hits. He struck out eight and walked four.

Festus took a 1-0 lead in the first, but Central tied the score at 1-1 in the second on a Talley Haines sacrifice fly. Central then moved ahead 4-1 with a three-run third and added two more in the sixth.

Greg Hutteger, Robert Kern and Sean Dougherty all finished with a single and an RBI. Jeff Beasley added a double.

Williams likes the way the Tigers have been progressing after somewhat of a sluggish start.

"We're playing a lot better and the reason for that is our pitching," said Williams. "It's really come around. All of our pitchers have been doing a good job."

In junior varsity action, Festus defeated Central 8-7.

Corey King had two hits for Central. Jason Blanchard suffered the loss. Central's JV is now 8-2.

Central returns to action Wednesday when the Tigers play at Sikeston in a SEMO Conference game. The Tigers have already defeated the Bulldogs once this season.

"That's going to be a big game for us," said Williams. "I'm sure Sikeston will be looking for some revenge."