Griffons edge Outlaws in Mink League South division clash, 8-7

An 8-7 MINK League South division road victory over the Joplin Outlaws Friday night handed the Nevada Griffons their first two-game win streak of the season.

Nevada starting pitcher Brandin Hallier was tagged by Joplin for a run apiece in each of the first three innings, as the Outlaws opened a 3-0 lead.

Thursday night's hero Trevor Kimm trimmed the deficit to a run, courtesy of his fourth inning 2-RBI single, as Nevada trailed, 3-2.

The Outlaws struck back in the fifth, courtesy of back-to-back run-scoring doubles off the bats of Joe Kinder and Parker Dunn — stretching their advantage to 5-2.

Joplin's lead evaporated in the seventh. Nevada trailed 5-3 after Clinton Allen scored on a passed ball. With runners on first and second, the hot-hitting Domonique Hernandez collected an RBI-double, as the Griffons closed the deficit to a run.

After advancing to third on a wild pitch, Hernandez was plated on Griffons' first baseman Griffin Larsen's RBI-single, knotting the contest, 5-5.

Nevada continued to pour it on, as Hernandez's three-run blast in the eighth put the Griffons on top, 8-5.

After three innings of near-flawless relief work, Aaron Hassell gave way to Walker Johnson in the ninth. Johnson quickly encountered trouble, as a leadoff walk and infield error had the Outlaws in business.

Johnson regrouped, but with two outs surrendered a 2-RBI double, leaving the Griffons clinging to an 8-7 lead.

After a walk to load the bases, Johnson slammed the door on Joplin, inducing Ryan Cedeno into a game-ending groundout to second.

The victory improves the Griffons to 3-6 overall. Nevada returns to the diamond tonight, for a road matchup with the St. Joe's Mustangs.