NEW ERA HAS SAME RESULT: CAPAHAS WIN

GOREVILLE, Ill -- With a new sponsor to start the new season, Cape Girardeau's McDowell Capahas got its semi-pro baseball season off on the right foot Sunday with a doubleheader sweep of Goreville.

The Capahas pounded their host 10-4 in the first game and 16-4 in the second. Tim Ellis, returning to the Capahas after injuries kept him out of the line-up last season, ripped five hits -- two of them home runs -- and totaled 10 RBIs in the two victories.

Richie Phillips won the opening game, hurling five scoreless inning. Phillips struck out three, walked none and allowed only two hits. Jeff Lappe pitched the final two innings, allowing seven hits and four runs.

McDowell's clubbed 13 hits, led by three each from Ellis and Tom Breuer. Ellis was 3-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs. Breuer laced two doubles.

Lance Craft and Steve Kress added two hits as the Capahas scored two in the third inning, four in the fifth and four in the seventh.

McDowell's offense kept going in the nightcap, outhitting Goreville 17-9. Kress led the way, going 4-for-5 at the plate with a home runs and two doubles. Ellis added another home run and five more RBIs and Julio Vega had three hits.

Breuer and Mike Miller added two hits each.

Dan Simpher picked up the win, allowing three hits and two runs in the first four innings. Jerry Woolsey pitched the final three innings in relief, fanning three and allowing no walks and two runs.

The Capahas play Wednesday night at Fairview Heights, Ill., and open their home schedule Friday at Capaha Field against Valmeyer, Ill.