Joplin plated six runs in the second inning to fuel a 10-7 win over Carroll on Friday at Joe Becker Stadium.
The Outlaws’ victory over the Merchants (18-20) is Joplin’s eighth straight win and improves its record to 22-18—good enough for first place in the MINK League South Division.
Joplin jumped out to a big lead with six runs touching home in the second inning before adding two more in the third for an 8-0 advantage early. Carroll scored three runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth to cut the lead to three before the Outlaws answered with a run in the bottom of the sixth to push the margin to 9-5. Joplin added a run in the seventh and the Merchants scored twice in the eighth to wrap the scoring.
ON THE MOUND
Ethan Sally started for Joplin and took a no-decision after allowing two runs on six hits and six strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings, while Gavin Stowell allowed one run on four walks without recording an out in relief. Cameron Hill earned the win after allowing two runs on two walks and a strikeout in 2/3 of an inning. Cole While allowed one hit in a scoreless 2/3 of an inning, striking out two. Joplin High School product Kohl Cooper pitched one scoreless relief inning, striking out the side. Connery O’Donnell allowed two runs on four walks, while Justin Schrader earned the save after pitching 1 1/3 scoreless relief innings. He walked three and struck out four.
Carroll’s Sam Hanson took the loss after starting and allowing eight runs on six hits, seven walks and two strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. Cannon Frazier pitched three innings of relief and allowed two runs on three hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Michael Alt walked one in 1/3 of a scoreless relief inning.
GAME ACTION
Joplin’s six-run second inning was highlighted by an RBI single from Tyler Davis, a two-run double to center by Garrett Chun and a two-run single from Max Bruff. Caden Bressler also picked up an RBI with a bases-loaded walk.
All three of Carroll’s runs in the fifth came home on walks with the bases loaded. The sixth scoring came from a runner scoring on a wild pitch and an RBI triple by Jordan Matthewson.
Bruff picked up another RBI in the bottom of the sixth with a run-scoring single to right field and Bressler added an insurance run an inning later with an RBI single.
Carroll drew a pair of walks with the bases loaded to score twice in the eighth.
ON DECK
Joplin hosts Carroll in the final regular home game of the season at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Joe Becker Stadium.
