JOPLIN, Mo. (June 1, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats suffered an 11-1 defeat to the Joplin Outlaws in the third game of their four-game series at Joe Becker Stadium on Saturday night. With this loss, the Shadowcats have fallen two games behind Joplin in the Mid-America League standings and are now five games behind the first-place Abilene Flying Bison. With a 3-5 record, Sherman is on a three-game losing streak and has lost four of their last five games. Joplin clinched the series win with this victory and led the season series against Sherman 4-1 and lead this series 3-0. The Shadowcats have yet to win a game on the road.
The game began on schedule at 7:05 p.m., with no weather delays. Due to the league’s mercy rule, the game ended after seven innings as Joplin led by 10 runs.
Sherman got on the board first in the top of the first inning. Left Fielder Ryan Sessions (Redlands Community College) scored when Infielder Korson Hastings (Trinity University) reached on a fielder’s choice. This gave the Shadowcats a brief 1-0 lead.
However, the Outlaws quickly responded with an offensive explosion in the bottom of the second inning, scoring eight runs. Joplin capitalized on multiple errors and passed balls by the Shadowcats, along with key hits from their lineup. Gabe Russell (Rogers State) started the scoring by crossing the plate on a passed ball, tying the game at 1-1. Infielder Kahle Good (Cal State Monterey Bay) then singled, driving in two runs, and Outfielder Owen Bond (University of St. Thomas) added another RBI single. Bolstering the lead to 4-1, still in the second inning. Carter Mize (Infielder, Rocky Mountain Vibes) advanced to second, with Bond later scoring on an error and Cole Hill (Infielder, Northwestern State University) scoring on a passed ball, extending Joplin’s lead to 6-1. Lastly, Gabe Russell doubled to left field, driving in Outfielder CJ Cepicky (Northern Illinois University), solidifying Joplin’s 8-1 lead for the inning.
Sherman’s struggles continued throughout the game. In the third inning, Joplin added another run when Joplin’s Outfielder Eric Bacon (Coffeyville Community College) scored on a popup by Infielder Kahle Good (Cal State Monterey Bay). The Outlaws extended their lead to 10-1 in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Catcher Sean Kang (Southern Illinois Edwardsville), driving in Infielder Carter Mize (Rocky Mountain Vibes). The final blow came in the fifth inning when Good homered, bringing the score to 11-1.
Sherman’s pitching staff had a tough night. Starting Pitcher Cade Sims (Redlands Community College) allowed six runs (four earned) on four hits and three walks in just 1.1 innings, resulting in an ERA of 16.20. Relief Pitcher Israel Diaz (Western Oklahoma State College) pitched 2.2 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks, with an ERA of 8.44. Kellen Curtis (Vernon College) pitched the final two innings, allowing one run on one hit and one walk, striking out five, with an ERA of 14.54.
Box Score Highlights:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Runs: 1
Hits: 3
Errors: 4
Left on Base: 5
Joplin Outlaws:
Runs: 11
Hits: 9
Errors: 0
Left on Base: 6
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats
Ryan Sessions (LF, Redlands Community College): 1-for-2, 1 R, 1 BB
Joplin Outlaws
Kahle Good (IF, Cal State Monterey Bay): 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 1 HR
Gabe Russell (IF, Rogers State): 1-for-4, 2 R, 1 RBI
Lucas Vanlanduit (P, Pittsburgh State University): 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO, 0 HR, 1.15 ERA
Next Up:
The Shadowcats will face the Outlaws once more on this road trip on Sunday at 7:05 p.m. before heading to Piney Woods for a two-game series starting Tuesday night on June 4th at 7:05 p.m. Sherman is looking to capture a win to build momentum for their next series.
Follow our Twitter at @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
