From staff reports

sports@joplinglobe.com

WICHITA, Kan. — A strong relief performance by Texas A&M right-hander Shane Minks helped Beatrice (Neb.) stop the Nevada Griffons 4-1 in a second-round game of the National Baseball Congress World Series on Friday night.

The Griffons (1-1 in the 74th annual event) were scheduled to play the Havasu (Ariz,) Heat late Saturday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium as a part of “Baseball ’Round the Clock” presented by Baseball America.

Minks, saving the game for left-hander Brian Feekin, didn’t allow a hit or walk in 3 2/3 innings. Minks, who struck out six, did hit two batters.

Third baseman Tant Shepherd rapped a two-run triple to key the Bruins’ three-run fourth that erased a 1-0 deficit.

Left fielder Matty Johnson, who played at Crowder College for two years and has signed with Bellevue (Neb.), singled and center fielder Jordan Danks walked to set up Shepherd’s blow. Shortstop Evan Porter singled home Shepherd.

Beatrice, which left just three runners, managed five hits against Nevada hurlers Jeff Rydman, who allowed the safeties in six innings, and Alex Kent.

Designated hitter Darby Brown’s two-out single plated second baseman Mark Ramos for the final Bruin tally in the sixth. Ramos had singled and reached third on a balk and Shepherd’s advancing fly to center.

The Griffons, who had six singles, received a pair from second baseman Korby Mintkin. First baseman Dan Ward, third baseman Trevor Geist, catcher Mark Wyatt and shortstop Tommy Fitzgerald had a single apiece.

Nevada scored in the top of the first on a walk to center fielder Tyler Redick, an advancing ground-out by left fielder Taylor House and a single by Mintkin.