Semoball

Catfish split doubleheader with River Dragons

Cape Catfish outfielder Andrew Stone watches a fly ball during the first game of a doubleheader Saturday against the Alton River Dragons at Capaha Field.
J.C. Reeves ~ jcreeves@semoball.com

The Cape Catfish split a twin bill with the Alton River Dragons on Saturday at Capaha Field.

The opening contest — making up for a rainout on June 1 — went to the River Dragons 8-0 in what was the second straight shutout loss for the Catfish.

"You can't really do too much different, but you've got to stay aggressive, get men on base and get some timely hits," Catfish manager Steve Larkin said. "If you hit the ball and get men on base, you've got to score when you've got the chance.

"We just didn't push across the runs. They had a couple of big innings, but we'll get them tonight."

Hunter Ralls picked up the loss for the 'Fish. The Southeast Missouri State sophomore threw six innings, allowed six hits and four runs — only one of which was earned — and struck out four.

Cape Catfish pitcher Hunter Ralls fires a pitch during the first game of a doubleheader Saturday against the Alton River Dragons at Capaha Field.
J.C. Reeves ~ jcreeves@semoball.com

Buena Vista sophomore Mason Gehling allowed five hits and four earned runs in one inning of relief.

2019 Prospect League MVP Andrew Stone was the lone Catfish batter to record multiple hits in the opener, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a pair of singles.

Seth Johnson and Mason Spiers each had an extra-base hit, with Spiers hitting a triple in the fourth.

Catfish 9, River Dragons 7

The Catfish rallied in the nightcap, beating the Dragons 9-7.

Down 5-1 early and 6-2 at the end of the third, the Catfish scored three runs in the fourth and four in the sixth to take a 9-6 lead.

Kolten Poorman hit a two-run double in the sixth and Noah Jacobson hit a sacrifice fly to right field where DJ Wright also scored due to a River Dragons error.

Cape Catfish infielder DJ Wright tosses his batting gear aside as he takes first base after being walked during the first game of a doubleheader Saturday against the Alton River Dragons at Capaha Field.
J.C. Reeves ~ jcreeves@semoball.com

Stone was again the only Catfish with multiple hits, including a lead-off home run in the first inning — his second of the season.

Southeast sophomore Ryan Vogt was unable to record an out before he was pulled in the first inning. He allowed three hits, walked two and allowed four earned runs.

Chad Donze tossed 2 2/3 innings in relief before he was replaced by

Austin Brock picked up his first win of the year, throwing 3 1/3 innings and striking out three. He allowed three hits and one earned run. Korey Brunselmeyer was credited with a save.

The Catfish (6-8) finish their series against the River Dragons (7-7) at 7:05 p.m. Sunday at Capaha Field. Cape opens a two-game home series against the Clinton LumberKings (8-7) on Tuesday before hitting the road for another doubleheader with the River Dragons on Thursday at Lloyd Hopkins Field.

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