After losing the last three encounters with the Carroll Merchants, the St Joe Mustangs they turned on their game faces for their fifth game against the Merchants this season.
The Merchants have been the Mustangs kryptonite throughout the 2024 season. The Mustangs traveled to Merchant Park to try and get one over on the Merchants.
The Mustang's offense started early in the first inning, with shortstop Carson Schmidt hitting a single and stealing second. After Schmidt advanced on a pitcher error, designated hitter Darius Freeman singled to score Schmidt to lead 1-0 in the first.
Starting pitcher Sam Pitts took the mound in the first, giving up a hit and no runs in the bottom of the first.
The game was a pitcher's duel, and both Pitts and Merchants' starting pitcher Caleb Tucker held off offenses well until they both retired after the sixth inning.
Relief pitcher Tim Teixeira got the call in the bottom of the seventh. Teixeira picked up two strikeouts and gave up a hit, leaving the Merchants scoreless in the seventh.
In the bottom of the eighth, Merchant right fielder Logan Harris scored after an error by second baseman Truman Bodenhaus to tie the game at 1.
In the ninth inning, center fielder Trevor McCollum singled and stole second; first baseman Jayden Little advanced McCollum with a single to put runners on corners. Bodenhaus walked to load the bases for Schmidt. Schmidt hit a two-RBI single to score McCollum, and Schmidt then advanced to second on a wild throw to lead 3-1 in the ninth.
Closing pitcher Tanner Schmidt came into the bottom of the ninth to pick up a strikeout and a save after giving up two hits and leaving the two runners stranded, allowing the Mustangs to win 3-1.
The Mustangs continue their road trip tomorrow, facing the Clarinda A's at Clarinda Municipal Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
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