Pitching carries Capahas baseball team to doubleheader sweep vs. Springfield, Ill., Pally's

The Plaza Tire Capahas have had their share of offensive highlighs so far this season.

But it's becoming clear that the Capahas' strength in 2012 lies with a deep and consistent pitching staff.

"Our pitching has been good so far, and we've got a pretty solid defense, which helps," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen, who is in his 46th season.

The Capahas received more strong pitching Saturday afternoon, which helped them sweep a doubleheader from the visiting Springfield (Ill.) Pally's 6-1 and 3-1.

Both games, which were seven-inning affairs, took less than two hours apiece.

Capahas batter Brandon Bennett hits a sacrifice fly to score a run against Springfield, Ill., during the fifth inning of Saturday's first game at Capaha Field. (Fred Lynch)

"Typical wood bat games," Bolen said. "The key to wood bats, make them hit the ball. This [spacious Capaha Field] is perfect for wood bats. You won't see many home runs here."

The Capahas (7-1) have allowed just two runs during the first three contests of a five-game weekend homestand that concludes with today's 1:30 p.m. doubleheader against the St. Louis Bulls.

"We're still a ways away," Bolen said. "A lot of guys, their arms are going to get stronger."

Both starters for the Capahas went the first six innings then Kyle Marshall finished with an inning in both games.

"Kyle did a really good job closing both games," Logan Holthaus said. "We've got a lot of good pitchers,"

Capahas batter Jordan Kimball sacrifice bunts against Springfield, Ill., during the third inning of Saturday's first game at Capaha Field.

That includes Holthaus, who is among 15 Capahas rookies to go along with just eight returning players on one of Bolen's youngest squads in quite a while.

Holthaus improved to 2-0 by notching the win in Saturday's second game. He allowed an unearned run and three hits over six innings. He struck out five, walked one and hit one.

"I felt a lot stronger than the first time I pitched," Holthaus said. "I felt I was a little lower today. That helped a lot. And the defense played good behind me.

Holthaus and Bolen both thought the right-hander pitched up too much when he allowed 12 hits and seven runs over six innings during a victory against Valmeyer (Ill.) last weekend.

"He kept the ball down better and got ahead in the count," Bolen said. "And it looked like he was throwing harder."

Capahas batter Joe Campbell singles in a run during the fifth inning of Saturday's first game.

Holthaus, an all-conference pitcher as a sophomore for Division II Harding (Ark.) University who recently completed his junior season, is glad to be with the tradition-rich Capahas.

"I love it," said Holthaus, who is from Winona, Mo. "It's a great bunch of guys."

Veteran Dustin Hunter, who is in his fourth season with the Capahas, was Saturday's winner in the first game. He also improved to 2-0 with his second dominant start.

Hunter, who recently completed a strong two-year career as one of Western Illinois University's top starters, allowed one run and four hits over six innings. The right-hander struck out seven, walked one and hit one.

Hunter, a graduate of Senath-Hornersville (Mo.) High School, ranked second in NCAA Division I in strikeouts per nine innings with an average of 12.55 this season.

"He's just a really good pitcher," Bolen said.

Marshall, a right-hander, finished the opener with a perfect seventh inning.

Marshall made things a bit more dramatic in the seventh inning of the nightcap. He issued a leadoff walk and a two-out walk before notching the save.

The Capahas had only 11 hits in the twin bill, but the Pally's managed just seven hits.

Rookies Mark Hagedorn and Clayton Gibbons both had two of the Capahas' six hits in the first game. Rookie Brandon Bennett delivered two RBIs.

Five players accounted for the Capahas' five hits in the second game. Bennett and rookie Adam Blum both doubled for the day's only extra-base hits. Veteran Jordan Kimball had two RBIs.

"I've been plugging in different kids and they're all doing a good job," Bolen said.

Springfield (3-3) led 1-0 in the opener before the Capahas went ahead for good with three runs in the fourth inning.

The Capahas led all the way in the nightcap after scoring twice in the first inning.

Game 1

Springfield 001 000 0 -- 1 4 3

Capahas 000 330 x -- 6 6 1

WP -- Dustin Hunter. LP -- Clint Sestak. Multiple hits -- Springfield: Justin Palmer 2-3. Capahas: Mark Hagedorn 2-3, Clayton Gibbons 2-3. Records -- Springfield 3-2, Capahas 6-1.

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Game 2

Springfield 010 000 0 -- 1 3 3

Capahas 210 000 x -- 3 5 3

WP -- Logan Holthaus. LP -- Brendon Fickert. 2B -- Brandon Bennett (C), Adam Blum (C). Multiple hits -- Springfield: Neil Aherin 2-2. Records -- Springfield 3-3, Capahas 7-1.