SHERMAN, Texas (July 26, 2024) — The Sherman Shadowcats kicked off their four-game series against the Joplin Outlaws with a crucial 7-4 victory at Veterans Field on Friday night. This win helps the Shadowcats in their pursuit of a playoff spot, as they currently sit at the bottom of the standings in the final quarter of the season.
The game began promptly at 7:05 p.m. with no weather delays. In the third inning, Sherman drew first blood when Left Fielder Ryan Sessions (Redlands CC) scored on a single to right field by First Baseman Easton Ford (Redlands CC), making it 1-0.
Joplin responded in the fourth inning with a stolen base by Center Fielder CJ Cepicky (Northern Illinois University) and a run scored by Left Fielder Treghan Parker (Missouri Southern State University) on a catcher’s error, tying the game at 1-1.
The Shadowcats reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when Left Fielder Matthew Herrera (Centenary College) singled to center field, driving in Third Baseman Korson Hastings (Trinity), making the score 2-1.
Joplin Outfielder Evan Vienhage (University of Central Missouri) tied the game again in the fifth inning with a solo home run to left field.
In the bottom of the fifth, Designated Hitter Hudson Parker (Texas Tech) stole third base and scored on a shortstop error, putting Sherman back in the lead at 3-2.
Sherman extended their lead in the sixth inning. Shortstop Tyson Woodland (Centenary College) scored on an error by the Joplin first baseman, making it 4-2. Sessions then scored on a double to left field by Parker, increasing the lead to 5-2. Ford capped the inning with a two-run homer to left field, scoring Parker and bringing the score to 7-2.
Joplin attempted a comeback in the seventh inning. Outfielder Andres Garcia (Goshen College) scored when Infielder Kahle Good (Cal State Monterey Bay) was hit by a pitch, and Parker grounded out to second, allowing Vienhage to score, but the Outlaws could only cut the deficit to 7-4.
Sherman’s pitching staff held the Outlaws in check for the rest of the game. Starting Pitcher Israel Diaz (Western Oklahoma State) pitched 6.0 solid innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with four strikeouts and one walk. Reliever Tanner Carter (Tarleton) and Hudson Parker closed out the game effectively, ensuring the Shadowcats’ 7-4 victory.
Box Score Highlights
Sherman Shadowcats:
Runs: 7, Hits: 11, Errors: 2
Joplin Outlaws:
Runs: 4, Hits: 6, Errors: 3
Key Performances:
Sherman Shadowcats:
1B Easton Ford (Redlands CC): 3-for-5, 3 RBIs, 1 HR
DH Hudson Parker (Texas Tech): 1-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 2B
Joplin Outlaws:
RF Evan Vienhage (University of Central Missouri): 1-for-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR
LF Treghan Parker (Missouri Southern State University): 1-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI
Next Up:
The Shadowcats continue their series against the Outlaws, looking to build on this victory and improve their playoff chances. The game is set for Saturday night at Veterans Field, starting at 7:05 p.m. Follow us on Twitter at @Sherman_M_A for live game updates.
