CLARINDA, Iowa — Joplin trailed Clarinda on Saturday night in a game that was close until the A’s scored big in the eighth inning to send the Outlaws to their third loss this season.
Clarinda scored first with a run in the second inning, but Joplin scored two runs in the top of the third to take the lead.The A’s answered with a three-run third inning before the Outlaws pushed two across in the fourth to tie the game at 4-4. Clarinda added two runs in the fifth to regain control before Joplin cut the lead to one with a run in the top of the eighth. Clarinda put the finishing touches on the win with a five-run eighth inning.
ON THE MOUND
Chris Massey took the loss for Joplin after seven innings with eight runs scored on 10 hits, 10 walks and six strikeouts.
Justin Moore earned a no-decision for the A’s after four innings of play with four runs on five hits, four walks and two strikeouts. Gavin Shearer earned the win in relief after five innings with two runs on four hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.
GAME ACTION
Clarinda scored first, but Joplin scored twice in the top of third thanks to walks with the bases loaded from Kolden Howerton and Landon Meyer.
The A’s took the lead back in the bottom of the third thanks in part to RBI singles from Junior Barajas and Gavin Long.
In the top of the fourth, Caden Bressler drove a run home with a single, and Jaret Nelson earned an RBI with a sacrifice fly to center field, tying the score at 4-4.
The A’s scored twice in the fifth inning, but Bressler closed the gap in the top of the eighth with a sac fly to center field that left either team in a strong position to go home victorious.
Clarinda secured their lead in the bottom of the eighth when Nick Massarini was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Joey Little brought one home when he lined out to third base. Terrik Thompson tripled for two RBI and scored on the play thanks to a fielding error, bringing Clarinda’s total to 11 runs and leaving Joplin in a big hole.
Meyer produced one last run for the Outlaws when he brought one run in with a double in the top of the ninth.
AT THE PLATE
Bressler led Joplin at the plate with two RBI on one hit. Meyer earned one RBI on one hit and a walk. Nelson sent one home and scored one run on one hit.
Thompson led the A’s with three sent home and one run scored on two hits, a walk, and a strikeout.
ON DECK
Joplin takes on the Clarinda A’s again at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Clarinda Municipal Stadium.
