Mustangs Week Two Recap

The Plate Meeting Before the Mustangs take on the Alumni (Photo By: Thomas Raymond)

The first week of Mustangs action featured a confident showing from both the batting order and the arms on the mound. Week two of Mustangs baseball commenced Wednesday evening in a rematch against the Kansas City Monarchs, who St. Joseph had gotten the best of just a few days prior in a 6-5 Mustangs win.

Wednesday’s game was a defensive showdown, except for the first inning, where the Monarchs scored their only two runs of the game. However, that was enough to give them the edge over St. Joseph in a 2-1 loss for the Mustangs.

St. Joseph started Dylan Graebener on the hill, who pitched just the first inning. Johnny Coy decided to throw Cade Perkins out there for the next three, who helped shut down all of Kansas City’s offensive momentum.

Unfortunately, St. Joseph’s offense couldn’t produce enough momentum for the win. Trevor McCollum knocked in the only run of the game for the Mustangs in the eighth. Even with two walks to lead off the bottom of the ninth for St. Joseph, Kansas City was able to escape with the victory.

The Jefferson City Renegades rolled into town Thursday for the second game of the homestand and second game of MINK League play for St. Joseph. An offensive explosion turned the tides in the Mustangs' favor in a 12-2 clinic that finished in eight innings.

Darius Freeman, St. Joseph’s most valuable player last season, made his presence felt once again. With five RBIs on the evening, two stolen bases and three hits (one triple), Freeman

was named player of the game Thursday.

Landon Reith made his second appearance and first start of the 2025 season, pitching the first three innings. Reith allowed two runs in the second inning, which was all the Renegades could put on the board. Bronco Whitt and Jase Johnson made appearances in relief that finished the game for St. Joseph. An impressive bullpen outing delivered six straight scoreless innings to finish the game.

Another MINK League opponent took the field at Phil Welch Stadium Friday, hoping to hand St. Joseph their first loss in league action. The Mustangs hosted the Chillicothe Mudcats in

a confidence-boosting 11-4 win for St. Joseph.

The scoring started immediately in the bottom of the first as Chris Coy knocked in two with an opposite-field hit. Two innings later, Parker Griffith hit the first home run of the season for St. Joseph, a solo shot to left field. The Mustangs weren’t done there; they scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth and three in the bottom of the fifth, capping off another quality

offensive performance.

Aron Harrington made his second appearance and start of the season Friday. He captured the win, throwing a strong five innings, striking out the side in the first and not allowing any runs. The Mudcats showed life once the bullpen took over for the Mustangs. Max Pitts and Andrew Clark made appearances, allowing a combined four runs, but four is all Chillicothe could

get across before St. Joseph shut the door.

Saturday displayed the Mustangs' alumni game. Former players and current coaches made up the alumni team that came back to St. Joseph to challenge the 2025 Mustangs roster in a full-length match.

The alumni had hope after scoring a run in the first, but ultimately the Mustangs took over in a 9-3 win that was quickly followed by fireworks at Phil Welch Stadium. Pitchers had the

opportunity to take the field, usual position players got an opportunity to pitch, and even a team employee stepped to the plate.

Manager Johnny Coy gave props to the event and culture surrounding the team and city. “That just goes to show what special stuff we have here, that guys want to come back. Guys are grown now and married with kids and want to keep coming back and be with each other and play in front of these great fans,” said Coy.

St. Joseph resumes play on Tuesday, June 10, on the road against the Sedalia Bombers. Action at Phil Welch Stadium resumes Wednesday, June 11, when St. Joseph hosts

the Chillicothe Mudcats. Wednesday marks the beginning of a four-game homestand.

- Keaton Smith