Despite taking an early 4-0 lead, the Chillicothe Mudcats suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 defeat on Thursday night against the MINK League North leading St. Joseph Mustangs. The game at Shaffer Park saw several lead changes as the Mustangs mounted comebacks multiple times, leaving Chillicothe in a tough spot in their playoff chase.
Josiah Golden’s solid pitching performance for five innings gave the Mudcats an early edge, holding the Mustangs to just two hits and no runs. However, the Mustangs’ bats woke up in the sixth inning, cutting the deficit in half at 6-3. The game was tied 6-6 in the seventh inning, creating a brand new ballgame.
After Peyton Becker drove in two runs in the bottom of the 7th, Chillicothe took an 8-6 lead. Jett Ah Sam threw a scoreless eighth inning, leaving the game in the hands of the offense. But despite the Mudcats’ efforts, the Mustangs staged a dramatic rally in the ninth, scoring three runs to secure a 9-8 lead.
In the bottom half of the ninth, Chillicothe tried to stage a comeback, but First Baseman Elian Guzman’s 5-4-3 double play ended their hopes.
With just two games remaining, Chillicothe finds themselves tied with Carroll for the third and final playoff spot in the North division. However, Carroll holds the tiebreaker, leaving the Mudcats with limited scenarios to make it to the postseason. They must win both games this weekend while hoping for Carroll to lose one or both of their games. Alternatively, winning just one game and hoping for Carroll to lose both could give Chillicothe a fighting chance into the playoffs.
The upcoming games against St. Joseph and Clarinda will be crucial for Chillicothe’s playoff aspirations. They are eagerly watching the Merchants/A’s game on Sunday night, as the results will determine their fate in the postseason.
The MINK League Scoreboard for Thursday, July 20, 2023:
Clarinda 11, Sedalia 1
Joplin 8, Jefferson City 7
Carroll 14, Nevada 2
St. Joseph 9, Chillicothe 8
The MINK League Scoreboard for Friday, July 21, 2023:
Chillicothe at St. Joseph – 7:00 PM
Joplin at Jefferson City – 7:00 PM
Des Moines at Clarinda – 7:00 PM
