Scott Co. whips Cape in district finale

According to Scott County American Legion manager Tom Dirnberger, when his team starts off a game strong it generally fares well.

Scott County could not have gotten off to a much better start against host Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons Wednesday night.

The visitors jumped on Cape for seven runs in the first two innings and romped 14-1. The District 14 contest at Capaha Field was stopped after seven innings by the mercy rule.

"We came out swinging the bats," Dirnberger said. "This is just our second year for Senior Legion, and any time you can beat Cape it's good."

Scott County improved to 9-6 overall and finished its district schedule at 3-1. Cape fell to 11-11 overall and ended district play at 2-2.

While Scott County wound up tied with Dunklin County for the best record in the five-team district, Dunklin County will be the No. 1 seed for next month's district tournament because of a win over Scott County.

A win would have given Cape the No. 1 tournament seed -- which is important because it means a first-round bye -- since Ford & Sons beat Dunklin County.

Instead, Cape fell all the way to the No. 4 seed based on tie-breakers. Scott County will be the No. 2 seed.

"There's a big step between No. 1 and No. 4, but now we'll just start gearing up for the tournament," Cape manager Dave Meyr said. "Not much went right for us tonight. They came out strong."

Scott County scored three runs on four hits in the top of the first inning and added four runs on four hits in the second. Cape starter Kirk Boeller went just two innings and took the loss.

Scott County pounded out 18 hits, led by Trent Moses with four, including a double. He drove in four runs.

Jacob Essner and Caleb Daughhetee both had three hits. Essner scored four runs and Daughhetee scored three times.

Shane Menz had two hits, including a triple, and delivered two RBIs. Aaron Jenkins and Rusty Hendrix both added two hits. Lucas Dirnberger contributed two RBIs.

Scott County also got strong pitching from Jon Simpher and Andy Stephens.

Simpher went the first three innings, allowing one run and four hits. Stephens hurled four scoreless frames, allowing two hits while striking out seven.

"They both threw well," Dirnberger said.

Cape's highlights were a home run by Dane Balsmann and a strong all-around game by Lance Young.

Balsmann's solo blast over the right-field wall at spacious Capaha Field came in the bottom of the second and cut Cape's deficit to 7-1.

Young went 4-for-4 and was also the only effective hurler among three players Cape sent to the mound. In three innings, he allowed an unearned run and three hits.

"Lance had a good game," Meyr said.

Cape and Scott County will both take part in the Paducah, Ky., tournament that begins today.