The Badlands Big Sticks (3-4) were unable to get quality pitching from start to finish in this Sunday afternoon game vs the Eau Claire Express (3-4), losing 15-7.

Badland’s offence got off to a great start, scoring two runs in the top of the 1st inning from a Coy DeFury (Texas State University), sac fly RBI and a RBI single from Ryan Muizelaar (University of Jamestown). They added another run in the top half of the 3rd courtesy of an RBI double from Troy Berg (Augustana University (MN)). They were able to add four more runs at the top of the 7th inning. 

The Big Sticks’ pitching staff had their worst start to any game this season, allowing three runs in the 1st inning, two runs in the 2nd inning, seven runs in the 3rd inning, and one run in the 4th inning before pitching a scoreless 5th inning. 

Express managed to put up two more runs in the bottom of the 8th to put up 15 runs, which is the second straight game the Big Sticks’ pitching has allowed double-digit runs and 15 or more runs.

Justan Autry (Alvin CC) was the starter for the Big Sticks and lasted just two innings while allowing four hits, four ER, three walks, and one strikeout. Kobe Krenz (Metro State University of Denver) took over and went just one inning while allowing seven ER, five hits, and two walks. 

Calvin Baker Jr. (Albany State University) was the most effective pitcher today for Badlands, going three innings while allowing just one ER, on three hits, four walks, and two strikeouts. Sam Foulke (Parkland CC) finished the last two innings, giving up two ER, two hits, and three walks.

Offensively, the top three hitters for the Big Sticks all had multi-hit games. Jayden Sanchez (UNLV) stays hot with another multi-hit game in a 2-5 effort and two runs scored. Connor Massamini (East Texas Baptist University) went 2-2, one RBI, and three walks, reaching base safely in all five plate appearances and three runs scored.

Berg with another two-hit game himself with one RBI, and Gavin Schlotterback (Paris JC) with his best game yet as a Big Stick with a three-hit game, two doubles, and one RBI.

Badlands are set for game two tomorrow night vs the Express at 5:35 pm MST.