From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A strong pitching performance from Patrick Bennett on Saturday guided the Joplin Miners into tonight’s championship of the 10th annual Pittsburg Wood Bat/Bob Ratzlaff Tournament at JayCee Ballpark.

Bennett, throwing just 84 pitches, limited Emporia to one hit as the Miners concluded pool play with a 4-0 victory.

Joplin will meet the host American Legion squad, Pittsburg Post 64, for the title of the eight-team pool-play tourney at 8:30.

“It was nice to see a pitcher work so quickly and efficiently,” Miners coach Tucker Hagedorn said about Bennett, who allowed only an infield hit.

The right-hander, a Seneca High School graduate who has signed to play with Missouri Southern next year, struck out 12 and walked none in leading the Miners to their third win in as many outings.

Catcher Cory Macy collected three of Joplin’s seven hits and knocked in one run.

“Our hitting was excellent and we played good defense, too,” Hagedorn said. “We swung the bats better than Friday and we had to earn the four runs we got.”

A long rain delay during Saturday’s first game caused the tournament schedule to be altered.

Carl Junction and Kansas City (Kan.) Ward were scheduled to play at 7 p.m. Saturday, but the game was moved to 11 a.m. today to start a five-game session.