By MATT PIKE
A matchup that was like grinding nails on a chalkboard, the St. Joseph Mustangs survived and outbattled the Nevada Griffons to earn their sixth win in a row, earning a 2-1 victory at Phil Welch Stadium.
After the Mustangs fell behind 1-0 in the second inning on an RBI single by Jaden Whetzell, scoring Miguel Salazar, they trailed the Griffons until the sixth inning. The Mustangs managed just two hits through the first five innings, but in the sixth, they tied the game up first loading the bases with one out as Jayden Little was hit by a pitch, Tyler Gundelfinger singled, and then Isaiah Ketller walked. After Charles Stevens popped out for the second out, a bases loaded walk to Carson Hintz scored Little, but with the bases remaining loaded Eden Meyers flew out to end the inning.
In the seventh the Mustangs took the lead, Chris Coy leading off with a double, then with one out a single by Brayden Luikart moving Coy to third. With men on the corners, Little hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Coy for the go ahead run and Gundelfinger flew out to right to end the inning. The Griffons did have a chance to tie the game in the ninth inning, having runners on the corners and two outs, a fly out to right ended the game.
The Mustangs were outhit in the matchup 7-5. Coy led the way going 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored. Little was 0-for-1 with an RBI and a walk, while Hintz was 0-for-3 with an RBI. Meyers was 1-for-4 with a stolen base, while Luikart and Gundelfinger had the other two Mustangs hits. On the mound, Landon Jaynes threw five innings giving up one run on three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Brayden Hindes earned the win pitching three innings of relief, also giving up three hits and striking out four, while Jaxon Turner gave up one hit earning a save.
The Mustangs are now 18-12 on the season, 15-11 in the MINK League, and will stay home on Saturday to host the Joplin Jailbirds. First pitch is at 7pm. Prior to the game, the annual Police vs Fire softball game will take place.
All Police, Fire, and EMT can receive 2 free General Admission tickets to the game. Gates will open at 4:15, with the game time set for 4:30-5:25pm.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.