After a three-game skid, the Chillicothe Mudcats bounced back with two crucial victories against Nevada on Sunday night. With only eight games remaining in the season, every win is crucial for the team’s playoff hopes. Before the game, Chillicothe and Carroll were tied for third place in the standings. With Carroll having a day off, the Mudcats had a chance to gain a half-game lead with a win.
In the first game, Chillicothe emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline. The second game ended in dramatic fashion with a walk-off 6-5 win for the Mudcats. Throughout both games, the pitching staff, led by Layne Rutherford and Justice Ramirez, delivered solid performances. Relief pitchers Koby Linder and Caleb Bergman also played a key role in keeping the team in contention.
On the offensive side, Noah Hata stole his 40th base of the season, inching closer to the record of fifty. Nathan MacLaren contributed with a crucial two-run home run in the first game, while Jackson Lindquist had two hits and an RBI in the second game. Sammy Cruz emerged as the hero in game two, hitting a deep drive to left field to drive in the winning run.
As the final week of the regular season begins, the race for the playoffs becomes tighter. Chillicothe will face divisional opponents, playing Des Moines three times and St. Joseph twice, with one home game and one away game against the Mustangs. The Mudcats will wrap up the season on the road against Clarinda. Carroll, on the other hand, has games against Joplin, Nevada, St. Joseph, and Clarinda remaining on their schedule.
