JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Outlaws dominated the Sherman Shadowcats (0-0) with a decisive 9-4 victory on July 27, 2025, at Joe Becker Stadium, showcasing a potent offense and solid pitching to secure the win.
The Outlaws struck early in the first inning, capitalizing on Ravaughn Morgan’s single and a fielding miscue by Sherman. Andre Jackson II scored, followed by Morgan crossing the plate on Luke Shannon’s double, giving Joplin a quick 2-0 lead. The Shadowcats responded in the second, tying the game at 2-2 when Erick Ballenilla’s double drove in Jonnie Gifford and Tyler Carnes.
Joplin regained control in the third, erupting for three runs. Morgan sparked the rally with another hit, and Murchael Turner and Shannon drove in runs, with an error by Sherman catcher Drue Saenz allowing Shannon to score, pushing the lead to 5-2. The Outlaws continued to pile on, adding a run in the fifth when Blake Wilson stole second, scoring Anthony Mazza, and another in the seventh via Wilson’s RBI single.
Sherman struggled to keep pace, managing only a single run in the eighth when Carson Garrett’s flyout scored Jacob Ambriz, narrowing the gap to 7-3. Joplin sealed the game in the bottom of the eighth, with Shannon and Jace Midgett delivering RBI singles to plate Tyler Brodrick and Morgan, extending the lead to 9-3. The Shadowcats mustered a final run in the ninth on JT Cienega’s RBI single, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Morgan led Joplin’s offense, going 4-for-5 with three runs scored, while Shannon contributed three hits and three RBIs. Wilson and Midgett also chipped in with key hits and stolen bases. On the mound, Landon Fletcher (1-0) earned the win, allowing two runs over five innings with four strikeouts. Beau Pasteur and Marcus Young provided solid relief, holding Sherman to two runs over the final four innings.
For Sherman, Ballenilla was a bright spot, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base, while Cienega added two hits and an RBI. However, starter Tanner Crispin (0-1) took the loss, surrendering five runs in 2.1 innings. The Shadowcats’ three errors proved costly, contributing to Joplin’s offensive outburst.
The Outlaws’ 12 hits and six walks, combined with their aggressive baserunning—four stolen bases—overwhelmed Sherman’s defense. Joplin’s lone error, by reliever Pasteur, had little impact on the outcome.
The Shadowcats will look to rebound in their next matchup, while the Outlaws aim to carry their momentum forward in a season that’s off to a strong start.