Sousanes, Sartin lift Griffons

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail Griffons shortstop Matt Burns is safe at second on a steal in the first inning of Thursday's win over the Joplin Outlaws.

By Jason Peake

Daily Mail Sports Editor

NEVADA -- Home runs from MJ Sartin and Eric Sousanes, along with a stellar pitching performance from Joey Parrack, propelled the Nevada Griffons to a 7-2 victory over the Joplin Outlaws on Thursday night at Lyons Stadium.

MJ Sartin connects for a home run in the second inning.

The win is a key one for the Griffons, who despite some recent struggles remain on top of the MINK League's South Division.

Nevada improves to 20-16 in the league with the win. The Griffons are two games up on Ozark in the South.

The visitors got off to a good start. Joplin got on the board in the first inning against Griffons lefty Parrack. Zack Steadman doubled, and after an out, he came home on a double to left by Taylor Eaves. Koby Chadick followed with a double of his own to score Eaves and give Joplin a 2-0 lead.

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail photos Griffons catcher Tyler Palmer catches a pop-up behind home plate during Thursday's game with the Joplin Outlaws.

But Nevada responded in the bottom half. Matt Burns and Tyler Palmer both walked. Burns later scored from third on a wild pitch, making it 2-1.

Next, Sartin launched a two-run home run down the right field line to give the Griffons a 3-2 lead in the bottom half of the second. The hosts would never trail again.

The Griffons had a great chance in the fourth, with a runner on third with no outs. But Joplin right-hander Griffen Glaude worked out of trouble. Nevada stranded two more in the fifth, but took the 3-2 lead into the sixth.

Stu Jeck was robbed of a home run in the sixth by Chadick who made a leaping catch at the fence in center.

But Nevada extended its lead in the seventh. Burns singled, went to second on a sac bunt from Brad Wilson and then took third on a ground out by Palmer. After Patrick Kregeloh walked, the Griffons had runners on the corners. Burns then scored from third on a wild pitch for a 4-2 lead.

Joplin threatened in the eighth, getting two hits with two outs against Parrack.

Griffons Coach Ryan Mansfield then replaced Parrack with Nico Lytle. The 6-8 righty then got Kyle Dickens to ground out to end the threat.

The Griffons got some insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth when Sousanes blasted a three-run home run over the fence in left to give Nevada a 7-2 cushion.

Joplin had two runners in scoring position in the ninth before Lytle retired the side, securing the win in the process.

Parrack was solid on the mound for the Griffons. He went seven and two thirds, and allowed just two runs and struck out two. Lytle went one and one-third. He struck out three.

Sousanes had three RBIs on one swing, while Sartin drove in two with his shot. Sousanes had three hits, while Sartin had two.

Glaude took the loss for the Outlaws. He went five innings and allowed just four hits and three runs, striking out five.

Chadick and Eaves had two hits apiece for Joplin. The Outlaws fell to 13-21 in the league with the loss. They're 1-9 in their last 10 games. Nevada is now 5-5 in their last 10.

Notes: It was Cancer Awareness Night.

The Griffons wore pink uniforms. They will be autographed and auctioned off Saturday for charity.

Nevada shortstop Burns accounted for all three putouts in the second, with three assists on ground outs. Burns had 10 assists in the game. Kregeloh made a nice diving catch at first.

The Griffons avoided disaster in the fifth when three players -- Palmer, Krist and Parrack -- collided when going for a bunt.

Joplin Coach Rob Vessell was ejected in eighth after Sousanes went deep. Vessell argued that Sousanes passed base runner Sartin and should have been called out.

After taking tonight off, the Griffons are home for a doubleheader vs. Omaha on Saturday. Game one starts at 6 p.m.

There will be free admission and it will be Nevada Regional Medical Center Night.

Also of note, Sunday night's game will be Fan Appreciation Night and 80's Night.

There will be free admission on Sunday night, too.

Thursday's result

Griffons 7, Outlaws 2

JO 200 000 000 -- 2 8 0

NE 120 000 13x -- 7 8 1

WP: Parrack. LP: Glaude. SV: Lytle.

HR: Sartin, Sousanes.

RBI: Sousanes 3, Sartin 2, Hepworth. LOB: 7.

Griffons pitching

Parrack -- 7.2IP, 7H, 2ER, 0BB, 2K.

Lytle -- 1.1IP, 1H, 3K, 1BB.

MINK LEAGUE STANDINGS