The Jefferson City Renegades led 2-0 after the first inning Sunday. And for eight innings, it looked like those two runs would be enough against the Joplin Outlaws.
Then came the ninth, when the Outlaws scored three times on their way to a 4-2 win against the Renegades in MINK League action at Vivion Field.
"Our offense was awful," Renegades manager Mike DeMilia said. "(Joplin's) pitching was all right, but we didn't swing the bats at all.
"Our pitching was fine. The last inning wasn't great, but the pitching isn't why we lost this game. When we give up four runs, as far as I'm concerned, we should win."
The Renegades, who won the first two games of three-game series against the Outlaws by a combined score of 19-8, looked like they were going to pile up more runs Sunday.
After back-to-back infield singles to start the bottom of the first, a double by Cody Evans brought home Avery Jennings. One out later, Mason Price singled home Tyler Cunningham to make it 2-0.
The Renegades finished with four hits in the inning, but had just three the remainder of the game.
"We lost focus, I think we got satisfied," DeMilia said. "We had a little success and we didn't handle it very well."
Renegades starter Taylor Thompson worked in and out of trouble Sunday night. The Outlaws had two baserunners in each of the first three innings, then had another in the fourth. But none came around to score.
"I was just doing my best to keep them off the scoreboard and give us our best shot at getting the win," Thompson said. "I think we played well enough to get the win."
The Outlaws had a great chance to score in the fifth. Their first three batters reached - the leadoff on a walk, but was caught stealing, before a single and a walk had runners at first and second before a double play ended the threat.
Joplin cut the deficit to 2-1 in the sixth when Dalton Weaver singled home Matt Delavega.
Thompson was pulled after walking the leadoff batter in the seventh. Jordan Majors then retired the next three Outlaws to end the inning.
Jacob Voss set the side down in order in the eighth for the Renegades. But the Outlaws started the ninth with a walk and a single to put runners at first and second. After a strikeout, a throwing error on a bunt allowed the tying run to score and after another walk, Luke Hampton came on in relief with the bases loaded.
Hampton's first pitch hit a batter to give the Outlaws a 3-2 lead. A wild pitch then allowed the final run to score.
Joplin (8-20) retired the final 11 Jefferson City batters in the game. Four Joplin pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts Sunday.
The Renegades (12-18) are off today before hosting Chillicothe on Tuesday. Chillicothe won three in a four-game home series recently against Jefferson City.
"It will be a tough game, I know they're going to have a good arm to throw against us," DeMilia said.
Game time is 7 p.m.
"Today was one of those days, we all have them," Thompson said. "We can't dwell on it, we just have to come out Tuesday ready to play."