With just a handful of games left in the season, the Outlaws (41-13) retain a six-game lead for first place in the Mid-America League.

In second place are the Abilene Flying Bison (35-19).

The two squared off last summer, in the inaugural season of the Mid-American League, with the Outlaws coming out on top.

They’re aiming for a repeat when playoffs in the six-team League begin Aug. 5.

“These guys come out and work their tails off everyday,” Outlaws manager Dean Green said. “They show up ready to play and put their best foot forward everyday. I’m fortunate to be able to coach these guys — it’s a fun group to watch.”

Andre Jackson II, one of three veterans on the active roster, also talked about the Outlaws recent success and the drive to win a second Mid-America League title.

“We’re a little hot right now,” he said. “It’s a good time to be hot — going into the playoffs. We want to go back-to-back, so it feels good. We are seeing the ball really well, hitting it really well and pitching really well. I feel good about our chances.”

Jackson also praised the play of some of the younger members of the team.

“We have a couple of younger guys on the team that we are trying to mature and get them ready to play,” he said Sunday. “They are stepping up big in big spots — today Jace (Midgett) had two clutch hits to extend our lead.”

Up next

The Outlaws host The Texarkana Rhinos in a doubleheader Tuesday, with the first game at 4:05 p.m. at Joe Becker Stadium.

Joplin wraps up its regular season home schedule on Wednesday, when the Outlaws entertain the Fort Smith Marshalls at 7:05 p.m.

“I just hope our pitching staff keeps showing up day in and day out,” Green said. “Our bullpen has been really, really good and I just can’t thank Brian Flynn (owner) and Konor Lathrop (general manager) enough because they helped put this team together.”