JOPLIN, Mo. - Earlier today, Kaden Helsel was named to the All-State team as a First Team selection. Tonight, the Jefferson City Renegade and future Drury Panther turned in a fantastic six-inning, one run start against experienced collegiate hitters. But in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded, the Joplin Outlaws were able to break the game open on a Zach Eihlen double, the first extra base hit of the game. The Outlaws would go on to secure their fifth victory of the season, 5-1.
The game got under way a little later than expected as the umpire crew was delayed in their arrival to the ballpark, but when they did, they were met with a flurry of outs. Between Helsel and Outlaws starter Zach Parrish, only two runs were scored – one per side. What’s more perhaps, is that both runs scored on wild pitches – not hits.
The game would remain deadlocked that way as Helsel and Parrish traded zeroes, until the start of the seventh when Ben Fugitt out of Renegades bullpen was called upon for relief. Control issues again plagued Jefferson City as the bases were immediately loaded on a hit batter and two walks. After another walk brought in the second Joplin run, a two-run double gave the Outlaws the insurance they needed to finish the job.
Donte Richardson finished the night for Joplin, throwing two shutout innings for the save and giving Parrish his first win of the year. The Renegades are now an even .500 on the season and two games under that mark in MINK League play. After an off day, the Renegades next chance to land in the win column will be Thursday, as they head to Chillicothe for a quick two-game series. The Mudcats are 2-0 against the Renegades thus far on the year.