By Jackson Vaerewyck
JOPLIN, Mo. (August 2, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats were handed a 12-2 defeat by the Joplin Outlaws in the second game of their four-game series at Joe Becker Field on Friday night. The game, which saw the Outlaws secure a ten-run lead, ended in the seventh inning due to the run rule. The loss extended Sherman’s struggles on the road.
The game commenced on schedule with no weather delays. Joplin quickly took control in the first inning. Center Fielder CJ Cepicky (Northern Illinois University) tripled to right field, driving in a run to make it 1-0. Left Fielder Brett Sarwinski (Pittsburg State University) scored on the play. First Baseman Drake Lee (University of Central Oklahoma) added another run with a sacrifice fly, bringing Cepicky home to make it 2-0.
The Outlaws continued their offensive onslaught in the third inning. Lee reached on a fielder’s choice, driving in Third Baseman Gehrig Loera (Northwestern State University) to extend the lead to 3-0. Designated Hitter Evan Vienhage (University of Central Missouri) tripled to left field, clearing the bases with three RBIs, pushing the score to 6-0. A series of wild pitches allowed the Outlaws to score three more runs, making it 9-0.
Joplin’s dominance persisted into the fourth inning. Right Fielder Reed Woodland (Trinity University) singled, driving in Cepicky to make it 10-0. Shortstop Kahle Good (Cal State Monterey Bay) singled to right field, bringing home Loera and increasing the lead to 11-0.
The Shadowcats managed to score their only runs of the game in the sixth inning. Third Baseman Anderson Acinger (LSU Shreveport) and Second Baseman Tyson Woodland (Centenary College of Louisiana) scored on a single by First Baseman Korson Hastings (Trinity University), cutting the deficit to 11-2. Joplin added another run in the seventh inning when Sarwinski scored on a wild pitch, bringing the final score to 12-2 and ending the game due to the run rule.
Box Score Highlights:
Sherman Shadowcats:
Runs: 2, Hits: 2, Errors: 1
Joplin Outlaws:
Runs: 12, Hits: 8, Errors: 2
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats:
3B Anderson Acinger (LSU Shreveport): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 2B
1B Korson Hastings (Trinity University): 1-for-1, 2 RBI
Joplin Outlaws:
CF CJ Cepicky (Northern Illinois University): 1-for-2, 3 R, 1 3B, 1 RBI
DH Evan Vienhage (University of Central Missouri): 1-for-4, 1 R, 3 RBI, 1 3B
Next Up:
The Shadowcats will continue their series against the Joplin Outlaws with the third game scheduled for Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. Sherman will look to bounce back and end their losing streak.
Follow our Twitter at @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
