(Photo Courtesy: Lyle Ripplinger)
Written By: Cody Shook, Larks Broadcaster
WATERLOO, IA– The Bismarck Larks came away with two wins in one day to improve to 20-10 on the season and just one game back from the division lead with six games remaining in the first half. Game one of the double header ended with the Larks scoring three runs in the 8th and 9th innings to win 8-2. In game two the Larks pushed across two runs in the 9th inning to take the lead and the 8-7 victory.
In game one Hendry Rodriguez started on the mound for the Larks and gave up two runs in the first inning, but after that he was dominate on the mound not allowing another run. He pitched seven innings and earned the win on the mound. Matt Ponsiglione came in the game and got the six out save, while striking out two batters and not allowing a hit.
The Larks scored two runs in the top of the 4th inning to tie the ballgame. It was a tie ballgame all the way until the 8th inning when the bottom half of the order was able to put three runs on the board and give the Larks their first lead of the game.
Jacob Nesbit scored his second run of the game in the top of the 9th inning when Matt Warkentin hit a single past the infield playing in and took the 7-2 lead. Warkentin would later score to give Bismarck the 8-2 score. Warkentin was the player of the game at the plate scoring three of the Larks runs and driving in two runs as well.
Game two was a lot closer than game one, as the Larks jumped out on top 4-0 in the top of the third inning. Wyatt Ulrich got things started with a two out single. Three straight doubles off the bats of Ripken Reyes, Chase Coker and Tristen Carranza scored three of the runs and then Jacob Nesbit drove in Carranza. The Bucks were able to score one in the bottom half to make it 4-1.
The Bucks put up a five spot in the bottom of the 5th to take the 6-4 lead. It was the first big inning that the Larks had allowed all series long. The Bucks lead would last until the top of the 7th inning when Carranza hit a double deep into center field that scored Ulrich and Reyes.
The top of the 9th inning rolled around with the top of the lineup due up. Tied 6-6 the Larks needed a spark and Ulrich was that guy hitting a single into centerfield and advancing on an error made by the centerfielder. Reyes then doubled down the left field line to score Ulrich and take the 7-6 lead. Kyle Stevens then drove in Reyes to go on top 8-6.
Colan Borchers finished the game in the bottom of the 9th inning allowing one run and getting the save. Matthew Munden earned the win on the mound.
Ulrich stepped up big in game two of the double header scoring three runs and recording three hits. Reyes also scored three runs in game two while driving in one run.
The Larks won game one 8-2 and game two 8-7 and are now 20-10 on the season. The Larks will be back in action tomorrow night when they take on the St. Cloud Rox. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Catch all the action on http://mixlr.com/larksbaseball/.
###
The Bismarck Larks are a proud affiliate of the Northwoods League, the proven leader in development of elite college baseball players. The Larks mission is to use FUN to make a difference in the lives of our families, businesses, players, and communities we serve. This is accomplished with a commitment to putting fans first and providing high quality family entertainment at affordable prices. In 2017, the Larks sold out 27 of their 36 home games in Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, home of Dakota Community Bank and Trust Field, and were named the Northwoods League’s Organization of the Year.
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 190 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
