Taking care of business, the Cardinals got past Joplin 7-1 on Tuesday night. With the win, the Cardinals will have a chance to claim a share of the COC title when they entertain Willard.

The Cardinals (19-7, 7-1), scored twice in the first inning, jumping out to an early lead over a Joplin team (7-18, 1-6) that came into the game struggling, winning only 4 of their last 19 outings.

Mason Williams singled into centerfield with one out.  Brody Eggleston, running for Williams, advanced to second on a ground ball out, then while stealing third base scored as the throw bounced into left field.  Christian Brock followed that with a towering home run into left center and the Cardinals led 2-0.

Webb City tallied single runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings and put the final two runs on the board in the seventh.  

Shadrach Salazar drove in two runs going 2-3 on the afternoon, including a double.  Brock added a double to go along with the home run for his two hits while also scoring twice. Shaun Hunt and Cohen Epler also had two hit games.   On the base paths, the Cardinals stole seven bases on the day, Hunter Shull and Eggleston with two each.

The Cardinals used three different pitchers to secure the win.  Payton Marshall drew the start, working 2 and 2/3 allowing only one hit.  Landon Fletcher worked the next 2 2/3, touched for one run and one hit, striking out four.  Landen Piette closed out the game.

Willard (23-3, 7-0) will be at Webb City on Thursday afternoon.  A win by the Cardinals will ensure a share of the conference title, with the Tigers still having one COC game left on the schedule.