Griffons split with Slashers on the road

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

The Nevada Griffons split a doubleheader in Joplin Tuesday, beating the Southwest Slashers 5-4 in the first game but dropping the night cap 2-1.

The Griffons (8-2 overall, 2-2 in the Jayhawk League) got a big game from Tim Santiago in the opener, as he went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and a double, and starter Austin Hyatt pitched four innings for the win.

The second game was dominated by pitching as Nevada received a two-hit, 10 strikeout performance from Josh Ruffin but were unable to support him as they lost the game 2-1.

In the first game Nevada controlled throughout as they built a 5-2 lead.

Hyatt was pitching well but an inconsistent strike zone kept him from cruising through the Slashers (8-8, 1-3) lineup.

Hyatt was forced to throw a lot of pitches and with his pitch count up, Nevada coach John Hill III took him out after four innings.

"(Hyatt) had to work a lot harder than he should have," Hill said, perturbed by the umpire's moving strike zone. "He had to work just to find the zone."

After Chris Rhoads relieved Hyatt, he gave up two hard-luck runs on a string of softly hit singles but the Griffons were able to hold on.

John Christian worked the seventh inning for the save.

In the second game Nevada had runners in scoring position in every inning except one.

However, Nevada was unable to bring runners home and it cost them as they spoiled a gem by Ruffin.

"Josh Ruffin was absolutely dominating," Hill said.

Ruffin made only one mistake in the game, giving up a walk in the fifth inning that led to a run after a stolen base and a bloop single. The run ended up being the difference in the game.

Eli Rumler struck out looking on a pitch above the shoulders with two runners on in the top of the seventh, further evidence of the uninspired umpiring.

"We had plenty of chances at the plate to bring some guys in, we just couldn't get that timely hit," Hill said.

The Griffons will be in action again today as they host El Dorado in a Jayhawk League doubleheader, starting at 6 p.m., at Lyons Stadium.

The Griffons were rained out of their lone game in Wichita Saturday and again Sunday.