By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The St. Joseph Mustangs (12-1) took their first loss of the 2024 season Wednesday night with a 9-6 setback against the Carroll Merchants at Merchants Park in Carroll, Iowa.
St. Joseph scored six runs through the first three innings, but were held off the board for the rest of the game. Carroll broke a 6-6 tie with two runs in the sixth. The Merchants added one more in the eighth.
The Merchants' pitching staff combined for 10 strikeouts Wednesday. St. Joseph pitcher and East Buchanan alum Broncho Whitt took the loss, despite some solid stuff in middle relief.
Whitt struck out five and walked three in 3.2 innings. He allowed two hits and two earned runs, including a two-run homer in the sixth.
Bishop LeBlond alum Frank Gall was one of four Mustangs to have a pair of hits Wednesday. Gall scored a run in the loss, while also driving in a run.
St. Joseph is back home to open a three-game homestand Thursday. The Mustangs will try and get one back on the Merchants on Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Phil Welch Stadium. Gates open at 5:30.