A late-season slump took the Topeka Golden Giants out of the MINK League baseball race, but they were able to end their season with a victory.
Nick Martini’s RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning gave the Giants a 2-1 season-ending victory over the Clarinda A’s on Saturday at Lake Shawnee, halting a five-game losing streak.
Brett Marshall led off the Topeka seventh with a single, moved to second on Adam Davey’s sacrifice bunt and scored when Martini singled to left field.
The Giants took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Jake Brown led off with a single and scored on a single to center by Martini, who was 2-for-3 with a walk.
Pitcher Adam Maddox was unable to make his scheduled start for the Giants so Ryan Frevert got the call. Frevert, a left-hander from Emporia State who led the Giants with four wins in a relief role, allowed only two hits in five shutout innings.
Tobi Cowdin took the mound in the sixth and gave up two hits and the tying run on a two-out double by Greg Najac.
Brett Mize, Kurt Spomer and Evan Marshall then pitched one inning each to blank the A’s (15-18 MINK) on one hit. Mize was credited with the win the Marshall earned a save.
The Giants, who will not play in the NBC Regional due to injuries and the departure of some players, ended their season with a 19-16 overall record and fourth place in the MINK North Division with an 18-15 record.
The Topeka Golden Giants will be on the road this weekend for a pair of games.
Friday night they take on the Sedalia Bombers at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday night the Giants will finish up the short trip against the Joplin Outlaws at 7:00 p.m.
The Giants will return home next wedensday night as they host the Clarinda A's for a doubleheader begining at 4:00 pm at the Lake Shawnee Baseball Complex.
Come out and cheer on the Giants!
