Mustangs survive Griffons, reach Championship Series

It took extra innings, but the St. Joseph Mustangs prevailed 2-1 over the Nevada Griffons in a tightly contested MINK League semifinal game.

With runners on second and third with two out in the bottom of the 13th inning, St. Joe's Darius Freeman hit a bouncer in front of home plate. Nevada pitcher Trae Burton charged, fielded and fired to first base, but Freeman barely beat the throw to first base. Logan Miller, pinch-running for Justin George after a walk, sprinted home to score the game-winning run.

The Mustangs had dominated the regular season series against the Griffons, but Tuesday night's game was indicative of the corner Nevada turned late in the season.

The Griffons had won three of four down the stretch and played inspired ball with a championship berth on the line.

David Jennings had been used exclusively as a reliever throughout the summer until Tuesday's battle in St. Joe. Jennings stepped in and threw seven and one-third innings of one-run ball, working around seven hits. The bullpen followed suit, giving up just four hits over five and one-third innings.

While Nevada posted a strong effort, St. Joseph's hurlers proved to be just a bit better.

Mustang starter Ashton Nance gave up just two hits and shutout the Griffons through seven innings. He handed the ball to a parade of four relievers that proceeded to allow just three hits over six innings.

Lane Chapman pitched a perfect eighth, giving way to closer Jase Johnson. Johnson started the ninth by hitting Jordan Rowe. Rowe was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, then, after a strikeout, scored on Shadrach Salazar's single to center to knot the game.

After blowing the save, Johnson locked in for St. Joe retiring the next seven batters he faced.

Max Pitts worked a scoreless 12th inning, then Gage Busby struck out the side in the 13th and was awarded the win in relief.