CAPAHAS TO OPEN NBC WORLD SERIES PLAY

Despite an injury to one of his top players, Jess Bolen likes the Kohlfeld Capahas' chances of faring well in the 1997 National Baseball Congress World Series that begins tonight in Wichita, Kan.

The Capahas will open play in the 32-team, double-elimination event at 10 p.m. against perennial power Clarinda, Iowa. Kohlfeld will play again Sunday, either at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., before returning to Cape Girardeau.

If the Capahas win at least one game this weekend, then they'll return to Wichita for further action the following weekend.

"I think we can do some damage in the tournament," said Bolen, whose squad has a 30-5 record. "We're swinging the bats well and if the pitching can just be respectable, we've got a chance to do something.

"Getting off to a good start is always the key. That first game is so important. Clarinda always has an outstanding ballclub. They've won it all before out there so that's a tough opener."

The Capahas will be without the services of veteran second baseman Darrick Smith, who was hit in the nose by a bad hop against Valmeyer, Ill., last Saturday. Smith had surgery and could play later in the tournament, but he's definitely out for this weekend.

"Losing Darrick is a tough blow, but the main thing is that Darrick recover from the injury for his personal reasons, not the team," Bolen said. "We played the whole season with a thin squad on depth. Whenever you lose someone and your roster is pretty thin, it really throws you in a bad position with depth.

"Darrick is such a good hitter and such a good defensive player. He's the best I've had on turning the double play in the 31 years I've been coach. He's been really hot at the plate."

Bolen does have some options which include moving outfielder Lance Craft to second base.

"We'll have a good ballclub on the field no matter what we do, but losing Darrick still hurts," said Bolen.

The Capahas, who went 2-2 in NBC World Series play last year, have a best all-time finish of fourth (in 1988) in the tournament that features teams with top collegiate players and ex-professionals.

Bolen knows it's always difficult to predict how a team will fare in Wichita, but he likes the look of this club.

"The offense has been consistent all year and it could carry us," he said. "It's generally an offensive tournament and we've got some big sticks in the lineup.

"Our defense has also been consistent. The only thing that has not been consistent is the pitching, but you expect that with young kids, which is mainly what our pitching staff is. But we've got some good arms. If our pitching can keep us in the games, then I think we've got a chance to do really well."

The Capahas have blistered the baseball up and down the lineup this season. Offensive leaders have been center fielder Steve Kress (.460), shortstop Cory Crosnoe (.453), first baseman Tom Breuer (.448), third baseman Ryan Murphy (.438), Smith (.429) and designated hitter Darin Kinsolving (.418) and catcher Shawn Pemberton (.346).

Kohlfeld's other three players who have seen extensive action are also close to .300: left fielder Julio Vega (.295), right fielder Craft (.283) and catcher/designated hitter George White (.283).

"We've really pounded the ball up and down the lineup," said Bolen.

In the pitching department, Chad Bogenpohl is 6-0, with Danny Simpher 5-1, David Michel 4-1, Brandon West 4-1, Garrett Dunning 4-1 and Kevin Vent 3-1.

Bolen said Michel will start tonight's opener, with Simpher coming back in the second game on Sunday.

"Michel has been consistent all year and Simpher has come on," Bolen said.

NOTES: Dunning, a former Delta High standout who pitched the last two seasons for Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, will play for Division II power Central Missouri State next season.

"Garrett has had a good season for us," said Bolen. "He's got a good arm. He throws hard and I think he'll make them (Central Missouri) a good pitcher."