Plaza Tire wins big with minds on Caps' first lady

~ The players voiced concerns for the manager's wife after a 10-0 rout of the Riverdogs.

The Plaza Tire Capahas posted their second lopsided win over their local rivals in the past four days, but they weren't in a very celebratory mood.

Following Friday night's 10-0, run-rule victory over the Riverdogs at Capaha Field, the Plaza Tire players were more concerned about the health of their manager's wife.

Longtime Capahas' skipper Jess Bolen missed the contest after his wife, Mary, underwent emergency surgery for a blood clot at a St. Louis-area hospital. She has been battling Hodgkin's disease.

"All of us are so close to Mary. She's a great person, and she's like family to us," Levi Olson said. "We're all praying for her."

Added Chad Bogenpohl, who ran the club in Jess Bolen's absence: "Our hearts are with them. We're thinking about them, but at the same time, I know they want us to play and give our best effort.

"We all kind of pulled together and tried to play the best we can, like if they were here."

The Capahas (6-4) had little trouble with the Riverdogs (0-8) for the second time this week. Plaza Tire romped 9-0 Tuesday night in Charleston, Mo., where the Riverdogs -- previously based out of Cape Girardeau -- now play all their home games.

"It's been a struggle for us so far this year," Riverdogs co-manager Robin Minner said. "Hopefully we can get it turned around. We haven't quit. We're still out there playing hard."

Friday's contest was stopped after 6 1/2 innings. Anthony Maupin allowed just four hits -- all singles -- in going the distance. He struck out five and walked one.

"Anthony pitched very well," Olson said.

Olson led the Capahas' 12-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with a home run and two runs batted in.

Dustin Pritchett had two hits, including a triple, and drove in three runs.

Scott Hubbard had two hits and two RBIs, Chris Gibson added two hits and Zach Johnson had two RBIs.

Steve Fowler took the loss, allowing all 10 runs -- eight earned -- and 11 hits in four innings. Mike Taylor pitched two scoreless innings.

Shane Gibson had two hits for the Riverdogs.

Olson's two-run homer over the left-field wall highlighted a four-run first inning. The Capahas added two in the third and broke things open with a four-run fourth.

The Capahas turned three double plays and did not commit an error.

"We played well," Olson said.

Plaza Tire hosts the St. Louis Golden Spikes today in a 1 p.m. doubleheader. Jess Bolen is not expected to be on hand.