SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Joplin built an early three-run lead but Kickapoo rallied back to earn a 6-5 win on Monday.
Joplin (12-7) scored twice in the first inning on a two-run home run by Kohl Cooper and scored two more times in the third to hold a 4-1 lead through three complete. Kickapoo answered with two runs in the fourth to trim the lead to one before the Eagles added a single tally in the top of the fifth on a solo homer by Cooper to push the lead to 5-3. The Chiefs crossed home three times in the bottom of the fifth to take the 6-5 lead while holding off Joplin the rest of the way.
Zach McKinnis earned the win after allowing five runs on seven hits, two walks and six strikeouts in a seven-inning complete-game effort.
Ethan Guilford took the loss after allowing six runs on nine hits, two walks and four strikeouts in five innings. Josh Harryman pitched a scoreless inning in relief, striking out one.
Cooper led Joplin with three hits, including two home runs, a team-high four RBI and two runs scored. Bodee Carlson, David Fiscus and Justin McReynolds all added hits for Joplin.
Luke Quackenbush had a home run, three RBI and scored a run to lead Kickapoo at the plate.
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Joplin is at Ozark on Tuesday.
