Shah knocks in seven runs to lead Capahas to sweep

VALMEYER, Ill. -- The Plaza Tire Capahas continued to tune up for the National Baseball Congress World Series by sweeping a doubleheader Saturday afternoon.

Plaza Tire routed the host Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers 7-0 and 14-2. The second game was stopped after five innings by the 10-run mercy rule.

The Capahas improved to 25-5 as they gear up for the NBC World Series, which begins July 29 in Wichita, Kan., although Plaza Tire won't play that first day.

Chad Bogenpohl was the winning pitcher in the opener as he went six innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine.

Shayne Mabury finished up the combined shutout with a perfect seventh inning, striking out two.

Asif Shah led Plaza Tire with three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs. Zach Blemker, Dustin Pritchett and Zach Johnson all had two hits.

Shah's homer leading off the second inning gave the Capahas a 1-0 lead. His two-run single in the fifth made it 3-0.

Shah notched the victory in the nightcap by going the five-inning distance. He allowed five hits and four walks while fanning six.

Blemker, Jordan Payne and John Amschler all had two hits for the Capahas. Shah drove in three runs, giving him seven RBIs on the day.

Plaza Tire broke open the game early by scoring nine second-inning runs.

"They [Valmeyer] were a little short on pitching," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "But it was a good day for us. Asif had a super day."

The Capahas are scheduled to close out the regular season today when they host Evansville, Ind., in a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

Bolen said he is trying to line up one additional game for the Capahas before they depart for the NBC World Series.

"I'd love to play one more game so we don't have that long layoff before we play out in Wichita," Bolen said.