By Jackson Vaerewyck
JOPLIN, Mo. (Aug. 3, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats dropped a close contest against the Joplin Outlaws, losing 3-2 in 10 innings at Joe Becker Field on Friday night. The loss extends the Shadowcats’ losing streak to five games, leaving them still searching for their first road win.
The game began on schedule at 7:05 p.m. with no weather delays. The Shadowcats took an early lead in the top of the first inning. Third baseman Anderson Acinger (LSU-Shreveport) scored on a single to right field by third baseman Korson Hastings (Trinity), with first baseman Easton Ford (Redlands CC) advancing to third. Shortly after, Ford scored on a wild pitch, giving Sherman a 2-0 lead.
Joplin responded in the bottom half of the first inning when shortstop Ravaughn Morgan (Oklahoma Wesleyan) grounded out to third, allowing left fielder Brett Sarwinski (Pittsburg State University) to score, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The Outlaws tied the game in the bottom of the third inning. Center fielder CJ Cepicky (Northern Illinois University) doubled to right field, driving in Morgan to make it 2-2.
The game remained tied through regulation, pushing into extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, Sarwinski scored the winning run on a single by right fielder Andre Jackson (West Texas A&M), with second baseman Gehrig Loera (no last team provided) being thrown out at third on the play.
Sherman struggled to generate offense against Joplin’s pitching, managing only five hits over 10 innings. Pitcher Tyland Lackey (Dallas Christian College) started for the Shadowcats, delivering a solid performance with seven innings pitched, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out four and walking four. Designated hitter Cayden Earnhart (ETBU) pitched in relief, allowing one run on three hits in 2.1 innings.
Joplin’s starting pitcher David Lopez (Goshen College) kept the Shadowcats at bay, allowing two runs on four hits over 7.2 innings, striking out seven and walking three. Reliever Mason Wyant (Blackburn College) earned the win, pitching 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball with two strikeouts.
The Shadowcats will look to bounce back in the final game of the series against Joplin on Saturday night.
Box Score Highlights:
Sherman Shadowcats: 2 R, 5 H, 0 E
Joplin Outlaws: 3 R, 10 H, 1 E
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Tyland Lackey (P, Dallas Christian College): 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO
Cayden Earnhart (DH/P, ETBU): 2-for-5
Joplin Outlaws:
Brett Sarwinski (LF, Pittsburg State University): 2-for-4, 2 R
David Lopez (P, Goshen College): 7.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO
Next Up:
The Shadowcats will conclude their four-game series against the Outlaws at Joe Becker Field on Saturday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Follow our Twitter at @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
