Despite winning the first three games of 2023 when trailing by multiple runs, Bismarck’s come-back kids couldn’t erase another early deficit tonight, as the St. Cloud Rox handed the yellow-birds their first loss of the summer. The final score was 9-5, and the Larks are now 3-1.
The Rox came out swinging early. Right-fielder Ben Vujovich (St. Thomas) led off the ballgame with a triple and came home one batter later thanks to a Matt Goetzman (Nebraska Omaha) RBI single. After a two-run first, the Rox would score in six more consecutive half-innings at the dish. The St. Cloud offense was highlighted by a 3-4 night from shortstop Ika Mezzenga (Minnesota), who had two runs scored, and third basemen Nathan Rose (Bowling Green), who hit a solo shot in the seventh to cap off St. Cloud’s loud night at the plate.
Even though the Larks cut into the St. Cloud deficit in the first with an RBI groundout from third basemen Trenton Rowan (Seward County CC) and a three-run fourth, Bismarck couldn’t keep up with the Rox’s offensive explosion. St. Cloud scored nine runs on 15 hits, leaving 13 runners on base.
On the mound, St. Cloud’s Tyler Curtis went seven strong innings in a quality start, striking out eight and only allowing two earned runs. He didn’t walk a single batter and earned a 1-0 start to 2023. Ty Howry picked up the loss for Bismarck today, going 4.2 innings and giving up six earned runs and nine walks. He struck out four and threw the Metro Area Fastest Pitch of the Game at 89 mph in the third.
The Fetzer Electric Play of the Game came in the top of the fourth inning when right Larks right fielder Jackson Beaman (Mizzou) made an outstanding diving grab in right-center to rob St. Cloud’s Ethan Navratil (St. Cloud State) of extra bases. Beaman also had an outfield assist, throwing out a runner at the plate in the third.
The Larks are back home tomorrow for the start of the final two-game series of this six-game homestand to begin the summer. Bismarck will host the Willmar Stingers at 7:05 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+. Tomorrow is also Harry Potter Night & Kids’ Choice: Teacher Edition Night. Experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter in Bismarck! Join us for Butter Beer, Trivia, and much more from the world of Hogwarts. Plus, celebrate the recognition of some amazing local teachers as we crown the Kid’s Choice: Teacher Edition Teacher of the Year! It is the first fireworks night of the summer as well.
