The Joplin Blasters took an early lead and dominated the T-Bones, 15-3, Saturday night in front of 6,511 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
The Joplin Blasters took an early lead in the first as Mitch Glasser and Geraldo Valentin each singled. Willie Cabrera homered, bringing in Glasser and Valentin, and giving the Blasters a 3-0 lead.
The Blasters got all the runs they’d need in the second inning, as they put together a two-out rally. Six consecutive batters reached base, with Valentin delivering a two-run double and, three batters later, Will Soto knocking a two-run single against T-Bones starting pitcher Johnny Shuttlesworth (2-2), making it 7-0.
Kansas City remained scoreless until the fourth inning. In his first game of the season, left fielder Nate Tenbrink was hit by a pitch by Joplin starter Noel Arguelles (1-0). Tenbrink stole second and then advanced to third on a groundout by Brandon Tierney. Cole Leonida brought in Tenbrink on a groundout, making the score 7-1.
The T-Bones scored again in the fifth. Arguelles, with his team leading 10-1, walked Tyler Massey, who advanced to third when Anthony Gallas singled with two outs. Jake Blackwood’s double scored Massey, making it 10-2, but the inning ended as Tenbrink struck out with two runners left on base.
First baseman Blackwood, who started his professional career in 2006, made his regular-season pitching debut in the ninth, as Joplin scored five more runs.
The T-Bones (9-14) will continue to play host to the Joplin Blasters (9-13) Sunday afternoon at 1:05. Tickets are available by calling the Providence Medical Center Box Office at CommunityAmerica Ballpark at 913-328-5618.
– Story from Matt Fulks, T-Bones