MINK League mauling: Griffons thrash A’s, 12-3

CLARINDA, Iowa — The Nevada Griffons opened a three-game MINK League road series with the Clarinda A’s on Wednesday, steamrolling the hosts 12-3 in the opener.

The Griffons were well on their way to victory, holding a 6-3 advantage, before the contest was suspended (lightning) in the eighth.

When play resumed Thursday evening, the Griffons continued to pour it on, as a six-run ninth put the finishing touches on the nine-run thrashing. The decisive victory extended Nevada’s win streak to three games.

The hot-hitting Griffons utilized a patient approach at the dish, as seven Clarinda pitchers issued a combined 16 walks.

Clarinda starter Blaine Parker handed out a half-dozen free passes, yielding three earned runs over 2 1/3 innings of work.

In the disastrous ninth, Clardina reliever Jordan Mehl matched Parker with six walks, paving the way for the Griffons monster six-run frame.

The Griffons offensive fireworks were accentuated by back-to-back third inning solo blasts — off the bats of Danny Cervantes and Zion Mayberry.

Cervantes and Mayberry led the way for Nevada, as the heart-of-the-order duo drove in two runs apiece.

Meanwhile, Griffons starter Bailey Smith settled for the no-decision, allowing three earned runs, while striking out three and walking four over four inning of work.

A pair of Griffons relief pitchers combined for five scoreless innings. Blake Bagenstos, who entered in the fifth, tossed two scoreless frames, while also notching his first victory of the season. Chandler Currey locked it down from there, striking out a pair over three shutout innings of work.

After concluding the suspended contest, the teams then played game two of the series Thursday night, with the Griffons (3-3) falling, 8-1.

The Griffons were unable to muster any offense against A’s starter Josh Young. Young was nearly flawless, fanning six batters, and allowing just two hits over five shutout innings. For Nevada, starter Thomas Boothe (1-2) took the loss.

The rubber-match of the series is slated for 7 p.m. tonight. The Griffons then wrap their four-game road-swing Saturday against the Sedalia Bombers.