The Badlands Big Sticks (3-4) were unable to get to that hot quick start after surrendering three runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, that was all the Stingers needed to come out victorious.

There was not a lot of offence for both teams as each team contributed five hits and failed to get a lot of runners on base. Joe O’Reagan (Chaffey JC) started on the mound for the Big Sticks and lasted three innings, allowing three ER, three BB, and three K’s.

The Big Sticks got their lone run in the top half of the 3rd inning on a Coy DeFury RBI single. That’s when the Stingers answered right back with three of their own in the home half of the 3rd inning and got their final run after the 7th inning stretch. 

Big Sticks pitcher Ismael Quintero (Cal St LA) dazzled yet again in a two-inning outing, didn’t allow a hit, one base runner, and four strikeouts. Kobe Krenz pitched a scoreless 6th inning himself, along with a strikeout.

Kasen McCawley finished off the last two innings, allowing one run on four walks, one hit, and two strikeouts. The pitching allowed just four runs and did its job for the night.

One thing to keep an eye on is limiting the walks as the pitching staff had 10 walks combined while just allowing five hits. The Big Sticks continue to struggle finding the strike zone in early counts falling behind on a lot of hitters.

Ryan Muizelaar (Jamestown) had another multi-hit game, while leadoff hitter Jayden Sanchez (UNLV) had a hit, as well as Troy Berg (Augustana) and Coy DeFury (Texas St). The Big Sticks must find consistency throughout their lineup and the ability to drive in runs as the offense were able to draw up five walks as well.

Badlands are set for game 2 tomorrow night vs the Stingers at 5:35 pm MST.