Mudcats showcase speed in Friday night win at Joplin

The Chillicothe Mudcats continued their impressive performance with an 8-4 victory over the Joplin Outlaws, completing a two-game sweep. The Mudcats showcased their speed by stealing nine bases in the game, bringing their season total to a league-leading 86 stolen bases. With four wins in their last five games, the Mudcats are starting to find their groove.

After a one-hour rain delay, the game finally began around 8:00 PM. In the first inning, Right Fielder Ben Kasparie drove in a run with an RBI single, giving the Mudcats an early 1-0 lead. Center Fielder Noah Hata added another run with a sacrifice fly in the second inning, extending the lead to 2-0. However, Joplin tied the game in the third inning, capitalizing on a passed ball and an errant throw to score two runs. RHP Jaydon Cabezudo left the game after a collision at the plate, and RHP Koby Linder entered in relief.

In the fifth inning, Chillicothe regained the lead with three runs. First Baseman Elian Guzman scored on a wild pitch, followed by an RBI double from Catcher Nathan Cupp. Second Baseman Peyton Becker then drove in a run with an RBI groundout, giving the Mudcats a 5-2 advantage. Joplin added two runs in the sixth inning, but Chillicothe maintained control of the game. The Mudcats added three more runs in the final three innings, securing an 8-4 victory. Linder had an impressive outing, pitching 6.1 innings with five strikeouts and no earned runs, earning him the win. The Mudcats’ defense turned two double plays and made a spectacular diving catch by Kasparie.

The Mudcats’ offense, defense, and pitching are starting to come together, forming a talented ball club.

In their next game, the Mudcats will travel to Jefferson City for a doubleheader on Saturday night. RHP Caleb Bergman is scheduled to start Game 1, while RHP Justice Ramirez will take the mound for Game 2. The first pitch is set for 5:00 PM.

Other Friday night MINK League scores: 

Carroll 4, Sedalia 0 (Game 1) 

Carroll 7, Sedalia 4 (Game 2) 

Clarinda 4, KC Knights 0 

St. Joseph 8, Jefferson City 4

MINK League schedule for Saturday, 6/18: 

Sedalia at Des Moines (DH) – 4:00 PM 

Chillicothe at Jefferson City (DH) – 5:00 PM 

Nevada at St. Joseph – 7:00 PM 

NEMO Craze at Clarinda – 7:00 PM

Photo credit – Joplin Parks & Recreation Department / JoplinMO.org / Joplin, MO