Justin Lieser will not return as Cape Central baseball coach following season

Cape Central baseball coach Justin Lieser informed the Southeast Missourian that he has been told he will not return next season.

The news comes with the SEMO Conference Tournament still to come as well as six regular season games before postseason play begins.

Cape Central is currently 8-17 but the Tigers have won four of their last six with one loss being a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Greenville and the other being a 7-2 loss to Hillsboro.

Cape Central pitcher Chapman Ogles pitches against Pattonville on April 20, at Cape Central High School. Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

The recent success came during the Tigers’ Wood Bat Showcase with Cape Central defeating Vashon 18-0 and Pattonville 3-0.

In the win over Pattonville, sophomore Chapman Ogles tossed a complete game, allowing just two hits while striking out eight.

“If we play like that, nobody can beat us,” Ogles said following Saturday’s win. “The defense played amazing and the offense swung the bat and scored runs. Everything was working today.”

Cape Central shortstop Brayden Meade throws to first base for an out against Pattonville on April 20, at Cape Central High School.Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

It’s no secret it was a rough start to the year for the Tigers as with a young roster and lots of question marks, they began the year 2-10.

“It was rocky at the beginning of the year,” Ogles said. “We’re a really young team but as the year’s gone on we’ve been bonding better.”

Despite the 8-17 record, Ogles said Saturday he still believes in his team.

Cape Central catcher Connor Poole hits a line drive towards centerfield against Pattonville on April 20, at Cape Central High School. Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

“We want to win a district title,” Ogles said. “We have something to prove.”

Looking ahead, the Tigers enter the SEMO Conference Tournament as the No. 5 seed and they will face the No. 4 seed Kennett Indians at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Kennett High School.

If Cape Central is to win its first round game over Kennett, the Tigers will take on the winner of No. 1 Jackson and No. 8 Sikeston on Saturday at Jackson High School.

Cape Central outfielder Gavin Pittman leads off third base before scoring a run against Pattonville on April 20, at Cape Central High School.Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

On the other hand, if the Tigers lose their round one game, they will battle the loser of the Jackson and Sikeston contest at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Notre Dame Regional High School.

After the SEMO Conference Tournament, the Tigers have an even split of road and home games with three of each remaining on the schedule.

Cape Central wraps up the regular season at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, when the Tigers hit the road to take on Oakville.

Cape Central outfielder Hayden Bowers rounds third base on his way to scoring a run against Pattonville on April 20 at Cape Central High School.Jacob Blassingame ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

Class 5 District 1 play is set to begin on May 15.