Garrett Stevens, Cape Central baseball

Central senior Garrett Stevens pitched the Tigers to the SEMO Conference tournament title by recording two complete-game victories in three days.

He shut out Sikeston in the first round Saturday 4-0 and then came back Monday in the title game to toss seven strong innings in a 2-1 win over Notre Dame.

Stevens, who also showcased some strong hitting by going 6-for-10 at the plate during the tourney, said he had never before pitched on such short rest.

"I've never been that fast even in relief," Stevens said. "But I had so much adrenaline rush today and we were going for the championship. ... I've got so many friends on Notre Dame I hate to beat them but when we're out here, it's a battle."

The only run Stevens gave up in 14 innings at the tournament was unearned.

"He pitched the game of his life," Central catcher Alex Shell said about Stevens in Monday's title game. "He threw strikes, hit his spots and that's all you've got to do. His fastball was working. He was hitting his spots with it but his curveball was working better than it usually does."