By Jackson Vaerewyck
FORT SMITH, Ark. (July 31, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats surged closer to playoff contention with a decisive 14-3 victory over the Fort Smith Marshals in the final game of their two-game series at Crowder Field on Wednesday night. This win elevates the Shadowcats from sixth to fifth in the Mid-America League standings, putting them in striking distance of a playoff spot.
The game began without delays at 7:05 p.m. The Shadowcats wasted no time, exploding for 10 runs in the first inning, setting the tone for the evening. Right fielder Ryan Sessions (Redlands CC) and designated hitter Hudson Parker (Texas Tech) led the charge with Parker’s two-run homer sparking the offensive onslaught. Catcher Jacob Eccles (Southwestern) singled to center, driving in shortstop Easton Ford (Redlands CC) and advancing third baseman Korson Hastings (Trinity) and catcher Cayden Earnhart (ETBU). Second baseman Grey Quimby (Navarro) then doubled to left field, clearing the bases and bringing Eccles, Earnhart, and Hastings home. Parker reached on an error, allowing Sessions and center fielder Sandry Hernandez (Rockies DSL) to advance and Quimby to score. Ford was hit by a pitch, forcing in another run, and a fielder’s choice by shortstop Anderson Acinger (LSU-Shreveport) brought in another. Parker scored on a balk to cap off the first inning barrage.
The Marshals responded in the bottom of the first with shortstop Austin Rabago (Hendrix College) doubling to right field to bring in first baseman Christian Altamirano (Adams State University). In the third inning, the Shadowcats continued their offensive dominance with Sessions scoring on a passed ball, followed by a double from Earnhart that drove in Parker and Hastings. Eccles singled to right, bringing Earnhart home and extending the lead to 14-1.
The Marshals managed to add two more runs in the fourth inning. Catcher Charlie Deaton (Hendrix) singled to center, driving in third baseman Jett Frazier (Carl Albert State College) and center fielder CJ Snowden (South Mountain Community College). Left fielder Ethan Whatley (Ranger College) then reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Frazier to score the final run for Fort Smith.
Box Score Highlights:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Runs: 14, Hits: 9, Errors: 1
Fort Smith Marshals:
Runs: 3, Hits: 8, Errors: 1
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Hudson Parker (DH/P, Texas Tech): 1-for-4, 3 R, 2 RBIs, 1 HR; 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 SO
Grey Quimby (2B, Navarro): 2-for-4, 1 R, 3 RBIs, 1 2B
Fort Smith Marshals:
Austin Rabago (SS, Hendrix College): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 2B
Jett Frazier (3B, Carl Albert State College): 2-for-3, 1 R
Next Up:
The Shadowcats will travel to play the Joplin Outlaws on the road in a crucial series against the league’s No. 2 seed starting Thursday night. This important road series could significantly impact the Shadowcats’ playoff hopes as they face a strong opponent. Follow @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
