A late comeback fell just short for the Joplin Outlaws.
The host Outlaws nearly overcame a seven-run deficit by scoring six unanswered runs, but the Sedalia Bombers held on late for a 7-6 win on Sunday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
It was the final regular season home date for the Outlaws, who are now 14-17 on the season. Sedalia, on top of the MINK League’s South Division standings, is now 18-15.
Sedalia pushed across two runs in the top of the first inning on a hit by pitch, a walk, a double steal and sacrifice flies from Braden DeSoria and Braden McGinnis.
The Bombers added four runs in the third and a single tally in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead.
The Outlaws plated four runs in the fifth. Jeb Jenkins singled, stole second and later scored on an RBI single from Dawson Walters.
Later in the frame, Logan Cline delivered a three-run double to right field, scoring Walters, Brandon Ulmer and Brett Wiemers.
Joplin trimmed its deficit to one by scoring two runs in the bottom of the eighth.
Caleb Feuerstake singled, Ethan Ellis reached on an error and Jared Toler smacked a two-run double into left-center, cutting Sedalia’s lead to 7-6.
The hosts went down in order in the ninth.
The Bombers scored their seven runs on just five hits. The Outlaws managed six hits in the game.
Justin Schrader took the loss for the Outlaws after allowing five earned runs on three hits in three innings.
Austin Gottula, Drew Beyer, Caden Bressler and Christian DeJesus all pitched in relief. The four relievers held the Bombers scoreless over the final six innings. A Carl Junction native, Beyer struck out two in two innings of work.
Tucker Nunnenkamp picked up the pitching victory for the Bombers. He went 2 2/3 innings and gave up one earned run on two hits while striking out three. Conner Wolf earned the save.
The Outlaws are scheduled to play a doubleheader at Chillicothe on Monday, with the opener slated for 6:05 p.m.
