By Jackson Vaerewyck
JOPLIN, Mo. (August 1, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats delivered a resounding 14-4 victory over the Joplin Outlaws in the first game of their four-game series at Joe Becker Field on Thursday night. This crucial win helps the Shadowcats inch closer to securing a playoff spot as they currently sit at fifth in the standings in the last quarter of the season.
The game began on schedule at 7:05 p.m. with no weather delays. The Outlaws took an early lead in the first inning when Drake Lee (University of Central Oklahoma) grounded into a double play, allowing Kahle Good (Cal State Monterey Bay) to score. However, the Shadowcats quickly equalized in the third inning as Tyson Woodland (Centenary) scored on a wild pitch.
The fourth inning saw the Outlaws regain the lead. Sean Kang (Southern Illinois Edwardsville) scored on a single by Evan Vienhage (University of Central Missouri), followed by runs from John Curran (Diablo Valley College) and Vienhage on subsequent wild pitches, making it 4-1.
The Shadowcats responded with a massive fifth inning, tying the game and then taking the lead. Jacob Eccles (Southwestern) and Matthew Herrera (Centenary) were both hit by pitches with the bases loaded, driving in two runs. Grey Quimby (Rockies DSL) hit a sacrifice fly, and Tyson Woodland singled to center, bringing the score to 5-4 in favor of Sherman.
In the seventh inning, Sandry Hernandez (Rockies DSL) singled, driving in a run, followed by a two-run single from Easton Ford (Redlands CC), extending the lead to 8-4. The Shadowcats continued to pile on in the ninth inning with a series of hits and walks, culminating in a final score of 14-4.
Box Score Highlights:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Runs: 14, Hits: 19, Errors: 1
Joplin Outlaws:
Runs: 4, Hits: 9, Errors: 3
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats:
2B Tyson Woodland (Centenary): 3-for-6, 1 R, 1 RBI
1B Easton Ford (Redlands CC): 4-for-5, 2 R, 2 RBI
C Cayden Earnhart (ETBU): 1-for-5, 2 R, 1 RBI
OF Sandry Hernandez (Rockies DSL): 3-for-5, 2 R, 2 RBI
Joplin Outlaws:
C Sean Kang (Southern Illinois Edwardsville): 2-for-4, 1 R
1B John Curran (Diablo Valley College): 2-for-3, 1 R
Next Up:
The Shadowcats will look to build on this momentum as they continue their series against the Joplin Outlaws. Game two is set for Friday night at 7:05 p.m. Follow our Twitter at @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
