McNew’s blast paces Tigers in trouncing of Sikeston

A 3-run home run from Christian McNew capped a big day at the plate for the Cape Central Tigers as they beat the Sikeston Bulldogs 8-1 on Thursday at Cape Central High School.

Cape Central started the scoring early on an RBI double from Cade Emenderfer to make it 1-0.

The Tigers would tack on another run in the bottom half of the 1st to take a 2-0 lead.

Getting the start on the mound for the Tigers was Carter Crosnoe who tossed 4 and a third innings allowing 1 run while walking 4 and picking up 5 strikeouts.

“We got another outstanding performance on the mound,” Tigers coach Justin Lieser said. “Carter hasn’t pitched a ton this season but we know that we’re going to need him down the stretch, especially come playoff time.”

Sikeston gave the ball to Heath Poindexter II who lasted 4 innings allowing 8 runs on 10 hits while picking up 3 strikeouts.

The Tigers would continue adding to the early lead they gave Crosnoe as they would balloon the lead to 5-0 before Christian McNew stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 4th and launched a 3-run shot that hit off the scoreboard.

“He’s been working his tail off,” Lieser said. “His numbers aren’t where he wants them but I’ll tell you this, he’s one of the guys that’s always working in the cage and trying to get better. With that work ethic, good results will happen.”

After Crosnoe completed his work on the mound he went back to his usual position behind the plate at catcher.

“He’s huge back there,” Lieser said. “In my opinion, he’s one of the best backstops around (this area), especially in our conference. He’s always going to block everything, he’s a great receiver and his throwing has gotten even better.”

As the top of the 5th rolled around the Sikeston offense forced the hand of Lieser and Crosnoe gave way to TJ Klipfel with 1 out in the 5th.

Klipfel came in with the bases full of Bulldogs and was able to tightrope out of danger keeping SIkeston at just 1 run after a sacrifice fly from Trace Sullivan III.

The win made it 4-straight for the Tigers as they improved to 8-8 on the season.

“Offensively we’re just doing all the little things right,” Lieser said. “Our base running has been phenomenal. We’re just doing the little things right and the little things we preached while we were going through that rough stretch.”

Sikeston (3-12) is back in action at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 when the Bulldogs host the Notre Dame Bulldogs.

Cape Central (8-8) returns to play at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22 when the Tigers host Pattonville in the Wood Bat Showcase at Cape Central High School.