St. Joseph, Mo. (June 2, 2021) - It had been nearly two years since the St. Joseph Mustangs welcomed fans through the gates of Phil Welch Stadium when the Mustangs hosted the Des Moines Peak Prospects on Wednesday.
Playing in front of a crowd of 3,208 in their season opener, the Mustangs walked-off the Prospects in the 10th inning on a slow roller from Brady Holden. The Mustangs won by a score of 5-4.
The Mustangs Player of the Game, starting pitcher Mack Stephenson, opened the game with a strong start on the mound. He recorded eight strikeouts, four hits and three walks in the 10-inning thriller.
“It was really cool to play in front of the fans again,” Stephenson said. “We’re just looking for another championship. You don’t come here expecting anything less.”
Mustangs’ catcher Jaxon Himel sent three of the five total RBIs home on a bases-clearing double to left-center in the fifth inning, propelling the Mustangs to an early lead.
St. Joseph could not maintain its three-run lead, as the Prospects scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game and force the game into extra innings.
Third basemen Holden stepped to the plate with two outs in the 10th inning, looking to avoid an 11th inning. He pushed a slow roller to shortstop and the Prospects could not make a play at home nor at first to get the force out. The Mustangs slid into home, securing the victory.
“It was a lot of fun and we had a great crowd,” said Coach Johnny Coy following the game. “We were able to pull out a win in front of all of these fans and that’s the most important thing.”
The Mustangs celebrated the season opener with a firework show at the conclusion of the game. St. Joseph will be back in action on Friday, hosting the Jefferson City Renegades at 7:00 p.m. for Professional Wrestling Night at Phil Welch.
About the St. Joseph Mustangs:
The St. Joseph Mustangs are six-time MINK League Champions, boasting the honor in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Since their founding 12 years ago, the Mustangs have continued to receive support from the St. Joseph community in their efforts to become one of the best collegiate summer league baseball teams in the country.