Bombers run-rule Griffons ahead of All-Star Game

Nevada Griffons outfielder Ryan Rodgers slings a throw during a game earlier this season at Lyons Stadium.

File photo by Hank Layton | Daily Mail Sports Reporter

Though their offense showed enough life in the late innings to avoid getting shut out and no-hit, the Nevada Griffons failed to overcome a double-digit lead built up by the hosting Sedalia Bombers Tuesday night in Liberty Park Stadium — resulting in a 14-2 run-rule defeat and a deeper deficit in the division standings.

The lopsided loss sent Nevada into the MINK League All-Star “break” with a 10-15 conference record, a full two games behind the Bombers and Jefferson City Renegades (both of whom are 12-13) for two of the South’s three coveted playoff spots. The Joplin Outlaws, meanwhile, own a .500 record (11-11), which is good enough for a half-game lead for first place.

All three South playoff spots appear to be up for grabs over the final few weeks of the season, but if the Griffons wish to claim one they will need to play much better than they did on Tuesday.

Sedalia held Nevada’s offense hitless over the first five innings, and by the time Ryan Rodgers hit a two-out single to right field in the sixth, the Bombers had already scored in every frame for a 12-run lead.

When a ground-out to third base ended Nevada’s fun in the top of the sixth, Sedalia added two more runs in the home half of the inning to pull away further.

The Griffons finally got on the board in the seventh against reliever Zack Dillman, who replaced Bennet Brownfield (who had replaced Kyle Brown after Brown struck out six and allowed zero hits in 3 1/3 innings).

Cameron Saso drew a one-out walk and advanced to second when Jack Swisher reached on an error. Both runners then moved ahead 90 feet on a passed ball, before a walk by Kahle Good loaded the bases.

Braeden Hinton picked up the hit of the day, driving in Saso and Swisher with a two-strike, two-out single to left.

Unfortunately for Nevada, a strikeout ended the rally and the game.

Alec Telles started on the bump for the Griffons, lasting two innings before handing the ball to Steve Marhefke. After he pitched two frames, Atley Jacome and Triston Busse split the final two innings. Busse struck out two, while Jacome and Marhefke each K’d one.

Nevada will be back at Lyons Stadium this weekend to host Joplin (Friday and Saturday) and St. Joseph (Sunday).