The Chillicothe Mudcats baseball team has been on a hot streak lately, turning their season around after a slow start. They had a record of 2-8 in their first ten games, but since then, they have gone 13-6 and are currently on a six-game winning streak. They now sit in third place in the North Division.
The latest key in the Mudcats resurgence was a 4-3 Sunday night win over Carroll, a team that was right below them in the standings. It was their first win against Carroll this season, as Carroll had defeated them in the season opener and a subsequent doubleheader. However, the Mudcats’ fortunes changed after a much-needed off day.
In the game against Carroll, both teams scored two runs each in the first inning, making it a 2-2 game. Carroll took the lead in the third with an RBI double, but the Mudcats responded in the fifth with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3. The pitching from both teams was outstanding, with Mudcats’ pitcher Justice Ramirez delivering a solid performance. Relief pitchers Jaydon Cabezudo, Jett Ah Sam, and Kainoa Holt also played their part in keeping the game tied.
The game went into extra innings, and in the eleventh, Center Fielder Ben Kasparie came through with an RBI single to give the Mudcats a 4-3 lead. Relief pitcher Tanner Sears closed out the game, securing the victory for the Mudcats. This win marked their eighth one-run victory of the season.
The Mudcats are in a great position, playing excellent baseball in recent weeks. They have a three-day break before their next game against division rival St. Joseph. The team has won their last three matchups against St. Joseph and currently sits two wins behind them in the standings.
MINK League scoreboard (Saturday, July 1, 2023)
Chillicothe at Des Moines – Postponed (Rain)
St. Joseph 8, Carroll 0
Joplin 11, Sedalia 1
MINK League scoreboard (Sunday, July 2, 2023)
Clarinda 5, Jefferson City 2
Jefferson City 8, Clarinda 1
Chillicothe 4, Carroll 3 (11)
Des Moines 9, St. Joseph 1
Joplin 13, Nevada 0
MINK League schedule (Monday, July 3, 2023) – 7 PM starts
Chillicothe at St. Joseph
Nevada at Joplin
Sedalia at Clarinda
Carroll at Des Moines
