Breakout 6th inning launches A's to Championship Series

Clarinda's offense was stymied through five innings and in desperate need of a spark as the innings grew later at Eberly Field Wednesday night in the MINK League Semifinals.

With the bases loaded and the table set for a big moment, Jake Espeland delivered for his team.

The A's right fielder doubled home two runs to put Clarinda on top en route to a 7-2 win and berth in the MINK League Championship Series.

Jefferson City starting pitcher Cale Wilson cruised through the first five innings allowing just one hit and two walks, but things came undone in the sixth. Micah Nicholson led off with a single, and Drake Cobb followed with a hit. Wilson then walked Tayvon Homolar to load the bases, and his night was over.

Carter Otto came on in relief of Wilson, but struggled with control issues of his own. Otto hit Cooper Knight with a pitch to bring in the first Clarinda run of the game. He got Kane Wilson to fly out, but then walked Joey Caruso to bring in the tying run.

Then it was Espeland's turn. His double brought Caruso and Knight around to score, and set up runners in scoring position for Colin Linteo. Linteo hit a sacrifice fly to bring in the fifth run of the inning.

The Renegades weren't able to recover.

Clarinda starter Luke Spencer delivered his longest start of the summer, pitching seven and one-third innings of two-run ball. Max Johnson followed his lead with an inning and two-thirds out of the bullpen with no runs, no hits, two walks and two strikeouts.

The A's now shift their focus to a rematch from the 2024 MINK League Championship Series.

The top two teams in the standings all summer long, Clarinda and St. Joseph, will meet for a best-of-three series beginning Thursday night at Eberly Field.

MINK League Playoff Schedule