By MATT PIKE
The St. Joseph Mustangs bounced back from their first MINK League loss in a big way, throttling the Nevada Griffons 13-0 in a seven inning run rule victory on the road.
The Mustangs poured things on in the first inning, scoring six runs, loading the bases before Easton Phillipe singled to drive in Benton alum Chris Coy for the first score. Three consecutive bases loaded walks added runs, the first to Trevor Mccollum scoring Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart, then Lafayette alum Jayden Little was walked bringing home Justin George, and Tyler Gundelfinger walked driving in Phillipe.
Savannah alum Truman Bodenhausen grounded out, scoring McCollum before in his second at bat of the inning Coy walked to bring home Little for the 6-0 lead at the end of the first inning. St. Joseph added one more run in the fourth inning on a single by Gundelfinger, scoring McCollum.
In the fifth inning, three more runs scored for the Mustangs as they continue to pour on the runs. A double by George scored Luikart, and George later scored on a single by McCollum. Phillipe added the final run of the inning on a groundout by Little, pushing the Mustangs lead up to 10-0.
A double by Logan Miller drove in Bodenhausen for the lone run in the sixth inning, before the Mustangs added the final two runs they needed for the run rule win in the seventh. Phillipe scored the first run in the seventh on a wild pitch, with McCollum advancing to third base. McCollum scored on a sacrifice fly by Gundelfinger.
East Buchanan alum Bronco Whitt made his starting debut on the mound and earned the win, pitching five innings and giving up two hits while striking out two. McCollum led the way hitting going 3-for-3 at the plate with a walk and two RBI’s scoring three runs. George was 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, scoring two runs.
The Mustangs are now 12-2, 8-1 in the MINK League, and stay on the road traveling tomorrow to Sedalia to take on the Sedalia Bombers.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
