JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Joplin Outlaws secured a crucial 8-7 victory over the Jefferson City Renegades on Thursday night as they battle towards a spot in the MINK League playoffs.
Joplin traded blows with the Renegades in the first and second before surging ahead with six runs in the top of the third, seizing a lead Jefferson City couldn’t overcome. Joplin requires just one more victory out of the remaining regular season games to secure a spot in the playoffs.
ON THE MOUND
Luke Schmedding earned the win after pitching five innings and giving up four runs on five hits, two walks and a strikeout.
“He’s going to at least give us a chance,” Outlaws manager Chris Dawson said of Schmedding before the game. “We know what Schmedding is going to do. We’re going against some bullpen arms tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll be in a good position to take two if not one on this road trip to take that one seed.”
Cade Schupp took the loss and gave up five runs in two innings on five hits, two walks and one strikeout.
GAME ACTION
Joplin seized the lead when Kolton Reynold hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning.
The Renegades answered with four runs in the bottom of the second. Joplin gave up four hits and two errors in the inning. Charlie Rogan and Luke Matschine earned RBIs on singles while Aiden Baumann sent one home after being hit by a pitch and walking on loaded bases. Kam Durnin scored on an error.
Joplin answered with six runs in the third inning. Reynolds earned an RBI after walking on loaded bases. Jaret Nelson stepped to the plate after him and hit a single, sending two home. Jefferson City made a change on the mound in an attempt to stem the tide but failed to prevent Joplin from scoring another three runs. Cole Hill sent one home and Ethan Kreuger earned two RBI. Both hit a single.
The Renegades rallied for three runs in the seventh inning, leaving the hosts trailing by just one run.
AT THE PLATE
Reynolds earned three RBI and scored twice on a hit and two walks. Krueger and Reynolds each sent two home, while Hill sent one home.
Williams and Matschine each brought two home while Baumann and Rogan each brought one home.
ON DECK
Joplin faces off against Jefferson City again at 7 p.m. on Friday at Jefferson City’s Vivion Field.
