Four errors by a shoddy Chillicothe defense spelled trouble for the Mudcats in Thursday night’s home opener at Shaffer Park, as the visiting Kansas City Monarchs scored three runs in the top of the 3rd inning, and never trailed thereafter, claiming a 6-2 road win.
Chillicothe cut the lead to 3-1 with a fourth inning tally. Both teams scored single runs in the 5th inning, before the Monarchs pulled away from the Mudcats with a run in both the 7th and 8th innings.
Chillicothe starter Josh Guerra was saddled with the loss, giving up five hits and four runs over 5 innings of work. However, only one of the runs was earned, leaving Guerra’s ERA at a very respectable 1.80. Ted Stuka pitched three innings out of the Mudcats bullpen, surrendering the two late game runs while striking out three batters.
James Ethredge twirled a scoreless ninth inning for Chillicothe.
The Mudcats struggled to pick up a “game-changing” hit with runners on base throughout the night, as Kansas City starter Nick Caldrone scattered nine hits in a complete game effort. Both runs given up were earned, with Caldrone walked three Mudcats, and struck out seven.
Chillicothe’s second MINK League game of the season will be played tonight (Friday night) in Clarinda, Iowa against the North Division rival A’s. First pitch is slated for 7 o’clock.
