Tigers down Bulldogs in close contest

A masterful outing from freshman Jathan Spain carried the Cape Central Tigers to a 5-4 win over the Notre Dame Bulldogs on Monday at Capaha Park.

Spain tossed 5 and two-thirds innings, allowing 4 unearned runs and picking up 8 strikeouts in the win.

The Tigers were able to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd which allowed Spain to settle in.

“It’s a huge difference maker,” Spain said. “I can just go out there and throw strikes and not have to worry about giving up the lead. I can just throw strikes, get ahead in the counts and work quickly.”

After Notre Dame got a run back in the 3rd thanks to a single from Cole Lemons, the Tigers would scratch across a run in the 4th on a squeeze bunt from Hayden Bowers.

Cape Central would stretch its lead to 5-1 before a 3-run, 6th inning, riddled by Tiger errors, allowed the Bulldogs to get back into the game.

“I was starting to wear down a little bit,” Spain said. “I almost was able to bounce back. I just threw one (pitch) over the middle when I should have tried to locate it higher.”

Jack Evans started the scoring in the 6th for the Bulldogs with an RBI single to right field.

Reid Morgan would tack on another run when he singled into center field. Following Morgan was Logan Landewee who ended Spain’s evening after reaching on an error to make it 5-4 Cape Central.

Tigers coach Justin Lieser had high praise for Spain’s maturity so early in his career.

“I tell everybody that he’s different,” Lieser said. “His maturity as far as on the mound and situationally with what we’re trying to do pitch-by-pitch (is impressive). He looks really comfortable every time he’s out there.”

Getting the start for Notre Dame was Jack Evans who tossed 6 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 9 hits while also striking out 8 in the loss.

Cole Lemons, Jack Evans and Reid Morgan picked up RBIs for the Bulldogs.

Hayden Bowers led the way for the Tigers on offense with a 2 RBI night in the win.

Jackson Witvoet went 2-for-3 with 2 runs scored to contribute in the victory.

Lieser said the win over Notre Dame was big for the Tigers as they get set for a busy week.

“It’s a good character win,” Lieser said. “We’re already looking ahead to New Madrid. They’re a lot better than their record shows.”

Notre Dame (6-5) will be back in action at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19 when the Bulldogs host Kennett at Notre Dame Regional High School.

Cape Central (6-8) will be back in action at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 when the Tigers hit the road to take on New Madrid County Central.