By MATT PIKE
On Northwest Missouri State University night at the ballpark, it was a Northwest Missouri State University pitcher who shut down the Nevada Griffons as the St. Joseph Mustangs opened MINK league play with an 11-1 run rule victory in seven innings.
Northwest Missouri State University pitcher and Bishop LeBlond alum Jaren Guck took the mound and pitched four innings, striking out 10 Griffons on the night, giving up just the one run and three hits, while walking one, earning his first win of the season. Caden Carter pitched the final three innings, striking out six, walking two and giving up two hits.
The Mustangs did fall behind in the first inning, as the Griffons struck for their one run early, Griffin DuVall singling home Joe Adams. But, St. Joseph quickly took the lead back, thanks to a four run second inning.
Tyler Gundelfinger reached first on a throwing error, scoring another Northwest product, catcher Parker Griffith, and advancing Benton alum Chris Coy to third base. Coy scored on a single by Lafayette alum Jayden Little, before Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen reached first on a fielders choice, scoring Gundelfinger. Trevor McCollum’s sacrifice fly to right field later in the inning brought Bodenhausen home.
Two more runs were added in the fourth inning. Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart singled and Jack Mosh reached on an error before Griffith was walked to load the bases. With the bases loaded, Coy was hit by a pitch, bringing Luikart home to score. A sacrifice fly by Gundelfinger scored Mosh. Another two runs were added in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly by Gundelfinger, as Luikart and Mosh both scored.
A three run seventh inning was the final blow, and secured the walk off in the run rule win. With the bases loaded, Mosh walked to bring home Darius Freeman. A single from Griffith drove in McCollum before Coy hit a walk off sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Luikart.
At the plate, Griffith and Luikart led the way, both going 2-for-3, Griffith with one RBI and one run scored, walking twice while Luikart scored three runs. Gundelfinger was 0-for-1 but drove in four runs, and walked once.
The Mustangs are now off until Wednesday, June 4th, when they again host the KC Monarchs. First pitch is at 6:30pm with gates opening at 5:15 at Phil Welch Stadium. It will be Baseball and Babies Night with activities for young families throughout the stadium, courtesy of Parents as Teachers. There will also be a Baby Crawling Race.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
