Joplin, Mo. — The Joplin Outlaws punched their ticket to the Mid America League Championship game with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Texarkana Rhinos in the semifinals on Tuesday.
The Outlaws (48-15) struck early, with Andre Jackson II crossing the plate in the first inning after an unearned run on a double play. They extended their lead in the third when Murchael Turner’s sacrifice fly brought Jackson II home again, making it 2-0. Joplin broke the game open in the fifth, as Turner’s two-RBI double scored Jackson II and Garrett Springer, pushing the lead to 4-0.
The Rhinos (25-37) roared back in the sixth, capitalizing on a Joplin miscue. With the bases loaded, Kelton Klemcke’s RBI hit-by-pitch started the rally, followed by a balk that scored Mason Meinke. An error by Outlaws second baseman Jackson Mervosh allowed two more runs, tying the game at 4-4. Texarkana’s Josiah Taylor led the charge, going 3-for-4, while Jay Kelly added an RBI.
Joplin answered immediately in the bottom of the sixth. Reece Bariola reached base and scored on Springer’s RBI single, reclaiming the lead at 5-4.
The Outlaws’ bullpen, led by Walker Sweet’s 3.2 scoreless innings and Marcus Young’s clutch final out for the save, shut the door on Texarkana’s hopes.
Joplin’s offense was paced by Jackson II, who scored three runs, and Turner, who drove in three. Springer added two hits and an RBI.
For Texarkana, Ben Elder took the loss despite a solid seven innings, allowing four earned runs on nine hits.
With the win, the Outlaws advance to face the yet-to-be-determined opponent in the Mid America League championship. The Sherman Shadowcats and Abilene Flying Bison match up tonight in the semifinals.