TIGERS `BITE' FESTUS, RECORD 11-8 VICTORY

Ben Arbeiter hit a home run and drove in four runs as Cape Central outlasted Festus 11-8 Saturday at Cape Central High School.

Arbeiter, a senior, also pitched 1 1-3 innings of hitless relief to seal the victory.

"You could tell he was ready to play when the game started," said Cape Central coach Steve Williams. "He hit the ball and pitched well. He contributed about every way he could today."

Central (11-7) took an 8-4 lead into the fifth inning, but saw Festus tie the score at 8-8 with four runs. Central moved ahead for good in the bottom half of the inning, pushing across a pair. An insurance run was added in the sixth for an 11-8 lead.

Tatum Kitchen notched the win, allowing one hit and one walk in one inning of work. Kitchen, who gave way to Arbeiter, relieved starter Jeff Lappe.

Arbeiter finished 3-for-3 as Central banged out 12 hits. Brad Fiehler finished with two hits and two RBI and Ross Bennett and John Livingston each added two hits.

Festus won the JV game 3-1. Gabe Wunderlich suffered the loss. Central's JV (11-3) saw a nine-game win streak end.

Central returns to action Monday at Farmington.