FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. -- The McDowell Capahas got their 1999 baseball season started in impressive fashion Wednesday night as they rolled past host Fairview Heights 20-9.

The contest actually began on something of an ominous note. Action started late because of a lights failure at the Fairview Heights field, then the host squad jumped on top 6-2 after two innings.

But the Capahas dominated the rest of the game as they banged out 21 hits, including three home runs. Six McDowell pitchers combined to strike out 15.

"It's always nice to win the first game, especially when you play somebody that's played five games already," said Capahas manager Jess Bolen. "It's hard for me to believe how well we swung the bats. The pitching wasn't as good as what we'll see later, but guys swung the bats unbelievably well."

Ryan Murphy led the Capahas' offense with four hits while Cory Crosnoe had three hits, including a home run and two doubles. He drove in four runs.

Shawn Pemberton and Ben Arbeiter each had two hits, including a homer and three RBIs. Steve Kress, George White, Jeff Bourbon and Tommy Bolen added two hits apiece.

Brent Self, the second of six McDowell hurlers, received credit for the victory. He allowed three hits and three runs while striking out six in three innings.

Also pitching were Danny Simpher, Ronnie Lewallen, Todd Pennington, Lanson Debrock and Chad Bogenpohl.

After falling behind 6-2 early, the Capahas went ahead for good with an eight-run fourth inning. They rolled the rest of the way.

Now the Capahas will prepare for what figure to be some of their toughest games of the entire season. McDowell will be in Clarinda, Iowa, this weekend for games against three highly rated teams.

The Capahas will play Clarinda and Omaha, Neb., Saturday, followed by a Sunday game against Wichita, Kan.

"We'll definitely see some great competition this weekend," Bolen said.