ST. JOSEPH – St. Joseph pounded out 11 hits and used a six-run third inning to blow out Chillicothe 13-3 in seven innings Sunday at Phil Welch Stadium.
Mustang starting pitcher Dawson Smith lasted six innings, allowing just two earned runs and striking out seven.
Mudcat starter Ryan Sell, who didn’t allow a hit in his last start at Nevada, struggled with command all night, walking six, and didn’t make it through the third inning. He allowed eight runs before exiting.
Chillicothe got off to a hot start for the second straight game against the Mustangs, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first, capped by an RBI double off the wall from Tanner Sears. The Mudcats would allow the Mustangs to score the final 13 runs of the game.
Michael Paule tied the game at 3 on an RBI groundout in the third inning, scoring Jack Wagner after a leadoff walk. The next five batters reached with two outs, and the Mustangs took the lead for good with a two-run triple by Tyler Petrosino.
The run-rule went into effect after Trevor McCollum was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Tino Salgado led the way for St. Joseph, going 2-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and 3 RBI.
Chillicothe falls to 9-15 overall on the season.
The Mudcats continue their road trip Tuesday when they travel to Sedalia. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. C.T.
