Mudcats split weekend games, including tough loss at St. Joseph

The Chillicothe Mudcats took a 2-1 loss on Saturday night in St. Joseph, but rebounded on Sunday night with a one-run victory over the Springfield Arrows, in summer league baseball action.

On Saturday night, 3,921 fans attended a showdown for the MINK League North lead at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, with the Mustangs, on a bases-loaded walk, scoring in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Mudcats 2-1.  Dixon Marble earned the complete game win for the Mustangs, scattering seven hits and striking out seven, pushing the Mustangs 1/2 game ahead of Chillicothe for the MINK League North lead.

Chillicothe’s defense failed the visitors in the final inning, as two Mudcat errors opened the inning.  A sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk loaded the bases, setting up Brett Marr’s game winning walk.

The defeat dropped Chillicothe to 10-6 overall, 8-5 in the MINK League while pushing St. Joseph to 12-4 overall, and 8-4 in the MINK League.

Two doubleheaders were played in the MINK League on Saturday night, with Nevada sweeping Branson (8-0 and 4-2), while Clarinda beat Ozark in their opener in southwest Iowa 4-3, with Ozark winning Game #2, 6-2.  Sedalia blew out Joplin 13-6.

Chillicothe got back in the win column on Sunday, beating the Springfield Arrows, 7-6.  St. Joseph lost its 1/2 game lead over the Mudcats and fell into a first place tie, falling at Nevada, 8-7.  Ozark won in Clarinda 4-2 while Joplin downed Branson, 6-5.

Chillicothe will not play on Monday night.  The Mudcats host Clarinda on Tuesday night at 7:05, while traveling to Clarinda to play the A’s on Wednesday night at 7:05.  The Mudcats will have an off night on Thursday, and host Sedalia on Friday night at 7:05.