Rochester, Minn (June 20th, 2013)–As the league sneaks closer and closer to the All Star Break, races for first half division crowns remain tight. After Thursday’s action, both divisions have races within a half a game.
In the North, the Willmar Stingers split a double header to maintain a lead in the division. The Waterloo Bucks are coming on strong, however, as they have five wins in a row and are tied with the Stingers in the loss column.
In the South, the Lakeshore Chinooks and La Crosse Loggers both won again on Thursday to remain tied atop the standings.
Mankato 10, Willmar 7 (Game 1, F/7)
The MoonDogs got off to a roaring start in game one of the double-header on Thursday as they plated six runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. They would go on to add three in the 4th and hold on for the win. Josh Fuentes (Saddleback College) hit a home run and drove in three RBI on the night.
Willmar 5, Mankato 0 (Game 2, F/7)
The Stingers were able to bounce back and split Thursday’s double header after dropping game one. The win preserved their lead atop the North Division standings. The Stinger offense was able to draw seven walks in the win.
Lakeshore 10, Battle Creek 2
Chris Manning (Valparaiso) continued to have a solid week on Thursday night. He contributed three hits, two runs, and three RBI. The Chinooks also got a great start from Kyle Bouman (St. Louis) who went six innings and allowed only three hits and one run while striking out six.
Waterloo 6, St. Cloud 1
The Waterloo Bucks continue to roll as they won in convincing fashion on Thursday. Starter TJ Renda (Alabama State) continues to have a fantastic season. On Thursday, he pitched six innings and gave up only five hits and one run.
La Crosse 4, Eau Claire 2
The Loggers scored four runs in the 7th inning to take a victory from the Express on Thursday. Kevin Zak (Grand Valley State) delivered the big blow as he hit a three-run home run to take the lead late in the game. Collin Monsour (California) pitched a great game on the mound as he went eight innings and allowed only one earned runs.
Wisconsin Rapids 8, Wisconsin 7
The tough luck continues for Wisconsin as they feel to the Rafters again on Thursday. After scoring four runs in the 7th to take a one-run lead, the ‘Chucks surrendered three teams in the top of the 8th and were unable to recover.
Rochester 9, Alexandria 4
The Honkers are playing excellent baseball of late, and it showed again on Thursday. They scored four runs in the top of the 7th inning and were able to shut down the Blue Anchors late to seal the win. Michael Pomeroy (Grand Canyon) had a huge night with his second home run and five RBI.
Madison 12, Green Bay 5
Four different Mallards drove in multiple RBI as the Mallards cruised at home against Green Bay on Thursday. Drew Weeks (North Florida) continues to be a force at the plate as he contributed a home run and two RBI in the win.
Thunder Bay 1, Duluth 0
Alex Bautista (Clarendon College) drove in the game’s lone run in the last at-bat with a walk-off double. John Hayes (Murray State College) was incredible as he pitched eight innings and allowed only two hits. Zach Thiac (Nocholls State) held the Huskies scoreless in the ninth to set up the opportunity for the walk off.
Friday Schedule (All Games 7:05):
Wisconsin Rapids vs. Eau Claire
Green Bay vs. Battle Creek
Rochester vs. Alexandria
Wisconsin vs. La Crosse
Mankato vs. Willmar
St. Cloud vs. Waterloo
Duluth vs. Thunder Bay
Lakeshore vs. Madison
