Seasor makes first impression a lasting one in doubleheader

Morehead State's Lance Seasor might seem a bit out of place on a Craftsman Union Capahas team that features eight players who competed for Southeast Missouri State University this year.

But if Saturday's season-opening doubleheader against the visiting Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers is an indication, Seasor will be right at home playing baseball in Cape Girardeau.

Seasor, making his Craftsman Union debut, had three hits in each game as the Capahas swept Valmeyer 10-1 and 7-0. They'll have another home doubleheader today against the talented St. Louis Printers at 1 p.m. at Capaha Field.

"It's a decent way to start the season," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen, in his 37th season running the squad.

Seasor had more than a decent start by going 6-for-8 with three doubles, four runs scored and two stolen bases. The second baseman said he's thrilled to be with the Capahas even though he's a long way from his hometown of Ashland, Ky., which is near where he plays his college ball in Morehead, Ky.

"Ashland is about seven hours away, but I'm glad to be here," Seasor said. "I like all the guys, and Jess is a really good guy. I'm glad I've got the chance to play here."

While Morehead State, which competes against Southeast in the Ohio Valley Conference, did not have a good season this year, Seasor was solid, leading the Eagles in hitting (.349) and home runs (10) as a sophomore.

Seasor was particularly strong during a three-game series against Southeast at Capaha Field, belting a pair of home runs. Bolen, who is the radio analyst for Southeast baseball, was impressed and thought Seasor was the kind of player who would fit in well with the Capahas.

"Jess gave our sports information director his card, I gave him a call and it sounded good," said Seasor, who is living with Capahas pitcher Jason Chavez and his family. "I played in a league in Mississippi last year, so I don't mind being away from home. And I think I'll hit good here."

Said Bolen, laughing, "I told Lance I think you like playing here. He's a good player and he's really a good kid."

The Capahas met little resistance from Valmeyer (2-3) and outhit the Lakers 21-8, received 12 walks and four hit batters and stole seven bases.

Craftsman Union also played flawless defense, turning four double plays and receiving two brilliant plays from Zach Borowiak and one from Gary Gilbert, who each played a game at shortstop. Borowiak almost certainly won't be with the team past the opening weekend and is likely to be selected in this week's baseball draft.

Gilbert and Steve Kress both added three hits in the doubleheader.

Chavez, a Central High School product who recently completed his sophomore season at Mineral Area College and is expected to sign with a Division I program, pitched all seven innings of the opener. He allowed four hits, struck out 10 and walked three.

"I think I threw pretty good, better than I thought I would," Chavez said. "Our season ended almost three weeks ago, and it's been a while since I've thrown seven innings."

Seasor went 3-for-3 with two doubles to pace Southeast's 12-hit attack in the opener. Brian Hopkins had two hits, including a triple, and drove in four runs. Dave Lawson added two hits and two RBIs and Josh Eftink had two RBIs.

Three pitchers combined on a four-hit shutout in the second game.

Matt Stroup, a Chaffee High School graduate who recently completed his sophomore season at Jefferson College and may still sign with a Division I program, was the winner. In five innings, he allowed four hits, with four strikeouts and three walks.

Nathan Baker and Jonathan Payne each hurled one perfect inning.

Seasor went 3-for-5, while Kress and Gilbert both had two of the Capahas' nine hits.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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