After giving up five runs in the top of the fifth inning, the Joplin Outlaws suddenly found themselves in a four-run hole.
But the hosts responded in a big way, erupting for seven runs in the bottom half of the frame.
For the Outlaws, that big inning was just the start of an offensive explosion.
A pair of seven-run innings propelled the Joplin Outlaws to a 16-6 run-rule victory over the Chillicothe Mudcats on Friday night in MINK League action at Joe Becker Stadium.
Outlaws head coach Chris Dawson noted he was pleased to see his team rally after allowing a big inning.
“We seem to have a knack for that,” Dawson said. “Early in the season we couldn’t come up with the big hits and now it seems like we have. We put a little pressure on our offense after Tuesday at Clarinda, and they’ve responded the last two days. It was good to see. Today we were able to get timely hits. It was a great way to answer back.”
The Outlaws improved to 7-5 overall and 6-1 at home.
GAME RECAP
On Humane Society Night, the Mudcats (4-8) scored once in the top of the first when Payton Allen singled, took second on a wild pitch and charged home on an error.
The Outlaws pushed across two runs in the bottom half of the first, as Logan Cline scored from third on a double steal before Brandon Ulmer’s RBI double to right-center gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.
The score held up until the top of the fifth, when the Mudcats plated five runs on four hits and two walks.
Chillicothe tied the game on a bases loaded walk before Josh Swinehart delivered a go-ahead bloop single into center. Tanner Sears added a bases-clearing triple to center, giving the visitors a 6-2 advantage.
No worries. The Outlaws responded with seven runs in the bottom half. And they did it with just two hits.
Brett Wiemers and Lawson Faria both drew bases-loaded walks before Cam Pfafman smacked a run-scoring single into center.
Ethan Lopez and Jeb Jenkins both walked with the bases loaded to push the Outlaws back in front at 7-6.
Cline then added a two-run single up the middle for a three-run cushion.
In the big inning, 12 batters came to the plate and Mudcat pitchers issued five walks and also hit two batters.
“Our guys are having competitive at-bats,” Dawson said, noting he couldn’t remember a game with four bases-loaded walks. “They’re battling and putting themselves in positions to succeed. If you give us a chance to take an extra bag or give us extra at-bats, we’re going to take advantage of them.”
Joplin ended the night early by pushing across seven more runs in the seventh.
Jenkins and Cade Lott both hit RBI singles and Cline lifted a sac fly.
Later, Wiemers contributed an RBI double and Ulmer added a run-scoring groundout to make it 14-6.
Faria added an RBI single before Pfafman smacked a game-ending single.
NAMES & NUMBERS
The Outlaws recorded 11 hits and everyone in the lineup had at least one.
“We were able to get our offense going, so that was good to see,” Dawson said.
Cline drove in three runs on two hits, while Pfafman had two RBI on two hits. Jenkins, Wiemers, Ulmer and Faria all contributed two RBI apiece. Lott scored three runs.
In his Outlaws debut, right-hander Gavin Heltemes was the winning pitcher.
Heltemes, who plays for Georgia Gwinnett College, struck out seven and allowed just one hit in 2 2/3 innings in relief. He struck out the side in both the sixth and seventh innings.
“Gavin came in and was nails,” Dawson said. “It’s good to add him to our staff.”
Carl Junction product Jeremiah Kennedy started on the mound for the Outlaws. A Missouri Southern Lion, the right-handed Kennedy allowed six runs on six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five in the no-decision.
“Jeremiah pitched well and started the game off well,” Dawson said. “He got into a little trouble at the end. When we’re expanding pitch counts that’s going to happen.”
Chillicothe’s Cole Mammenga was charged with the loss. He surrendered eight earned runs on five hits and five walks in 2 1/3 innings.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Joplin Outlaws General Manager Mark Rains said Saturday’s non-league game with a Show-Me League team from Springfield was canceled. Rains said fans should check social media on Saturday in case the Outlaws find a replacement opponent.
Joplin is scheduled to play at Jefferson City on Sunday night.
