Jul 26, 2023

Mustangs advance to MINK Championship series with win over Clarinda Tuesday

Posted Jul 26, 2023 11:40 AM
Mason Holton. Courtesy photo.
Mason Holton. Courtesy photo.

By TOMMY REZAC

St. Joseph Post

Mason Holton delivered a terrific complete-game shutout on the mound, and the St. Joseph Mustangs are in the MINK League Championship series for a fourth straight season with a 6-0 win over Clarinda in the MINK League Divisional Playoffs on Tuesday at Phil Welch Stadium.

Holton, a Western Carolina commit, delivered arguably the most impressive pitching effort of the season for St. Joseph Tuesday, allowing just four hits in nine innings. He struck out 11 and walked only one.

Offensively, the Mustangs got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, putting up five runs. St. Joseph added another run in the seventh.

Easton Bruce went 3-for-3 with a run scored and three RBIs. Lafayette alum Brayden Luikart went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs.

St. Joseph will play the Jefferson City Renegades for a MINK League Championship. The championship series is a best-of-three showcase. The first game is Thursday in Jefferson City.

The second game is Friday at Phil Welch Stadium. A third game, if needed, would be on Saturday in St. Joseph as well.