In the first game of a two-game series against the Joplin Outlaws, the Chillicothe Mudcats emerged victorious with a 7-1 win. While the offense performed well, the highlight of the game was the Mudcats’ pitching staff, which came incredibly close to completing a combined no-hitter.
The game remained scoreless for the first two innings, but Chillicothe broke the deadlock in the third inning with two runs off of bases loaded walks. They extended their lead with two more runs in the fourth inning, making it a 4-0 advantage. Pitcher Karter Muck was exceptional, throwing five scoreless and hitless innings while striking out eight batters. In the sixth inning, the Mudcats added three more runs.
With a comfortable 7-0 lead, the bullpen took over to preserve the potential no-hitter. RHP Jake Young threw a scoreless and hitless inning with one strikeout, followed by LHP Kainoa Holt, who also delivered a scoreless and hitless inning. RHP JJ Tylicki entered the game in the eighth inning and struck out the side, setting up a potential historic moment in the ninth inning. However, with just two outs remaining, Joplin’s third baseman Jason Lazo hit a hard ground ball up the middle, breaking up the no-hitter. Tylicki loaded the bases but was replaced by RHP Jett Ah Sam, who recorded the final out. Despite allowing one run on a bases loaded walk, Ah Sam secured the 7-1 victory for the Mudcats.
In the next game on Friday night, the Mudcats will aim to complete the sweep against Joplin, with RHP Jaydon Cabezudo set to take the mound. The game is scheduled for a 7:00 PM first pitch.
