CLARINDA – Chillicothe blew a five-run lead at Municipal Stadium Friday, but the shorthanded Mudcats rallied to tie it in the ninth and win it in the 10th, knocking off first-place Clarinda 8-7 in 10 innings.
Clarinda was desperate for a win Friday, and with St. Joseph whipping Carroll 13-2, the Mustangs are now tied for first and own the tiebreaker with one day remaining in the MINK League’s regular season.
The Mudcats were sloppy, committing six defensive errors in the contest. And the A’s had chances, including with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth when Will Walsh lined into an inning-ending double play. Clarinda left 16 men on base in the game.
Jacob Schaaf gave the Mudcats a quality start, allowing just one earned run in five innings. Steven Ricketts earned the win for Chillicothe, pitching the ninth and the 10th.
Tyler Bickers’ bat stayed hot, reaching base four times and drawing a bases-loaded walk to give the Mudcats the lead in the 10th inning. Both Braedyn Brewer and Jonah Sanford notched two hits on the night to help push the Mudcats to a stunning win.
Chillicothe improves to 16-25 on the season.
The Mudcats finish their season Saturday when they take on Jefferson City at Shaffer Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. C.T.
