JEFFERSON CITY – Defensive miscues stood in the way of Chillicothe snapping a three-game losing streak, and four errors gave way to four unearned runs, pushing Jefferson City to a 4-2 win Thursday at Ernie Vivion Field.
Two impactful errors came in the second inning, which turned out to be the most productive in the game for the Renegades. Errors by Mudcat shortstop Tyler Bickers and starting pitcher Bailey Quint exacerbated an already-taxing inning, and the Renegades scored three, which is all they would need for the victory.
Bradie Maltbie was sparkling in his start for Jefferson City, allowing just one run in six innings while striking out seven.
Quint struggled at times but recovered well from a disastrous start at Sedalia before the All-Star Break, where he gave up 11 runs and four home runs in the first inning. Thursday, all the runs he allowed were unearned, but his command was still shaky, walking four in his start.
Braedyn Brewer had the hottest bat of the night but bounced out to close the game in the ninth inning. He was 3-for-4 with two doubles prior to that plate appearance.
The Mudcats threatened late, putting the first two runners on in the ninth inning. Ian Nolph came in and locked down the game though, tallying two strikeouts and a groundout to seal the save for the Renegades.
Chillicothe has lost four straight and eight of the last nine, and is now 10-20 on the season.
The Mudcats return to Shaffer Park Friday to take on the first-place Clarinda A’s. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. C.T.
