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.