Defense propels Capahas to victory

~ Plaza Tire posted a 6-3 win over the visiting Chicago Wildcats.

The Chicago Wildcats, a late addition to the Plaza Tire Capahas' schedule, proved to be a formidable opponent.

In the end it was defense -- strong on the part of the Capahas and shaky on the part of the Wildcats -- that allowed Plaza Tire to escape with a 6-3 victory Monday night at Capaha Field.

While the Capahas committed just one error and turned in three dazzling outfield catches, the Wildcats made five errors, which produced five unearned runs by the home team.

"Defense was the difference," said Plaza Tire manager Jess Bolen, whose squad improved to 16-4 and dropped the Wildcats to 15-10. "We made some great plays, and they helped us out.

"But they have a good ballclub. I'm sure they're not normally going to make errors like that. It's a new park for them, under the lights ... I'm sure they're usually a much better defensive team."

The game was arranged Sunday when Bolen received a telephone call on his way back from a doubleheader in Springfield, Ill.

Bolen said the Wildcats were rained out of a Sunday contest at Tradewater, Ky., and were looking for a game before they headed back to Chicago.

The Wildcats contacted the Evansville (Ind.) Outlaws, who were booked up. But the Outlaws suggested the Chicago club get in touch with the Capahas.

"They called my wife, Mary, and she called me on our way back from Springfield wanting to know if we wanted a game Monday night," Bolen said. "I'm glad we did it. We need these types of games."

Other than the errors, the contest was fairly evenly played. The Capahas had six hits, all singles, while the Wildcats had five hits, including a triple.

"It was a good game and they have a good team," Capahas' second baseman Omar Padilla said.

Jason Chavez was the winning pitcher, working the first five innings and running his record to 5-0. He allowed all three runs (two earned) and four hits, while striking out three and walking three.

Phillip Riley earned a save with four dominant innings. He retired the first 11 batters he faced and allowed just one hit, a two-out triple in the ninth. Riley struck out five.

"Jason had a hard time keeping the ball down, but he threw well," Bolen said. "We needed to get Phillip some work and he threw lights out."

Plaza Tire's hurlers benefited from three spectacular, diving catches in the outfield, two by center fielder Dustin Pritchett. Left fielder Asif Shah contributed the other grab.

The Capahas jumped on top with three unearned runs in the first inning, taking advantage of three errors.

Plaza Tire never let the Wildcats get closer than two runs the rest of the way.

Right fielder Tom Bolen had two hits for the Capahas. Jeff Bohlan led the Wildcats with three hits, including a triple.

The Capahas host the Charleston Riverdogs at 7 p.m. Friday.

Capahas 6, Wildcats 3

Wildcats 011 100 000 -- 3 5 5

Capahas 311 000 10X -- 6 6 1

WP -- Jason Chavez, 5-0. LP -- Joe Koehler. S -- Phillip Riley. 3B -- Jeff Bohlan (W). Multiple hits -- Wildcats, Bohlan 3-4; Capahas, Tom Bolen 2-4. Records -- Capahas 16-4, Wildcats 15-10.