CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Dexter Bearcats scored four first-inning runs but needed a late rally to knock off Cape Central 8-7 on Tuesday.

Jared Laird scored on a sacrifice bunt by Ben Mills in the fifth inning for the winning margin.

After surrendering a pair of runs to start the game, the Bearcats (10-3, 6-1 SEMO) took advantage of control issues by the Tigers' starting pitcher to take their early lead. After base hits by Mills and Mason Noe walks to the next two hitters forced in a run.

Eric Windham then drove in a pair with a double to make it 3-2 before scoring the fourth run himself.

"We jumped on top in the first inning, but whenever we'd get up, they'd come back," Dexter coach Brian Becker said.

The Tigers answered with three runs in the third to regain the lead before Dexter answered in the bottom of the inning with three more runs.

Central responded with three more runs in the fourth to tie the game at 7-7 before the decisive bunt.

Windham, who allowed a hit in three innings, relieved Noe to earn the save. Noe went three innings allowing four runs on five hits with a pair of walks. Starter Gavin Miller allowed four runs on five hits in one inning of work for the Bearcats.

"Windham really held them off over the final innings," Becker said.

Windham had a big day at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI.

Lesterville 5, Greenville 0

Kevin Braucksieqer struck out 10 Bears on the to a Lesterville win Tuesday way afternoon.

"Every now and then, you are going to run into one of those pitchers " Greenville coach Jason Hill said. "Our hitters, through the first four innings, at least got two-strike counts. When are hitting from behind you like that it puts the pitcher in the driver's seat."

Greenville had just three hits on the day while Lesterville got five runs on seven hits.

SOFTBALL

Doniphan 12, Winona 0

The Donettes offense erupted for 12 hits in a win Tuesday afternoon.

"That is usually the thing we struggle with is putting the ball in play and hitting " Doniphan coach Jimbo Blackwell said. "We put the ball in some gaps and did a good job making contact."

Mary Beth Cosgrove got the win for Doniphan (3-3) on the mound with six strikeouts over six innings of work.

"She's locating well and didn't walk anyone," Blackwell said. "It was probably the best location she has had so far."