With only 11 games remaining in the MINK League’s regular season, the Chillicothe Mudcats came into Tuesday night’s game hoping to start a surge toward postseason play. In a back-and-forth game at Shaffer Park, the Mudcats tied the game three times, and first baseman Elian Guzman’s clutch ninth-inning hit secured a 6-5 victory over the Carroll Merchants.
In the home ninth, designated hitter Layne Rutherford drew a leadoff walk, followed by Tanner Sears reaching on a fielder’s choice. Kodai Yaoita flew out to center, followed by a walk to catcher Zack Thompson. With runners on first and second, Guzman hit a deep drive to left field, scoring Sears and winning the game.
The Mudcats are now 9-3 in one-run games this season, with the victory moving them to third place in the North Division at 18-15, three games ahead of Carroll. They trail Clarinda by three games for the second place spot, with their final meeting scheduled for July 22nd.
After an off day on Wednesday, the Mudcats will face the Merchants again in a doubleheader game at 5:00 PM in Carroll. This will be the last regular-season matchup between these two teams.
The MINK League scoreboard for Tuesday, July 11, 2023:
St. Joseph 4, Des Moines 2
St. Joseph 12, Des Moines 0
Clarinda 7, Nevada 2
Joplin 9, Jefferson City 8
Chillicothe 6, Carroll 5
The MINK League schedule for Wednesday, July 12, 2023:
St. Joseph at Carroll – 7:00 PM
Nevada at Sedalia – 7:00 PM
Clarinda at Joplin – 7:00 PM
