Rochester, Minn (July 2nd, 2013)– The Waterloo Bucks clinched a first half division championship on Tuesday night with their win over the Mankato MoonDogs. The Bucks have gone 7-3 in their last ten games and the clinching win was their 23rd on the season.
In the South, the race is far from over. A La Crosse win over Madison has the two teams tied, with Madison having an edge in winning percentage.
Waterloo 9, Mankato 8
The Waterloo Bucks clinched a first half division championships. The Bucks came very close to blowing the game after they gave up six runs in the bottom of the 9th, but they were able to hold on for the win. Starter Aaron Rhodes (Florida) was great in the effort as he allowed just two runs over seven innings and struck out eight.
Willmar 8, Duluth 1 (Game 1)
The Stingers made three errors in game one, but they were able to work around them and win in convincing fashion to put the Huskies in a big hole. With the loss in game one, the Huskies were all but eliminated from a first half division title. Jake Gronsky (Monmouth) contributed his first home run on the season.
Duluth 7, Willmar 5 (F/7, Game 2)
After game one’s defeat, the Huskies had an opportunity to knock the Stingers out of the playoffs. With their 7-5 victory, they did just that. With four runs in the first inning, the Huskies delivered a blow to the Stingers’ title hopes. After the Stingers tied the game in the 5th, consecutive runs in the 5th and 6th innings put the Stingers away.
Lakeshore 10, Eau Claire 3
The Chinooks could not afford to lose on Tuesday, and their six run 7th inning made sure they didn’t. Mike Hollenbeck (Illinois State) collected two hits and drove in two runs.
Alexandria 9, Thunder Bay 7
The Blue Anchors got down early, responded with seven quick runs, blew the lead, and then got the lead back in the 8th inning. All in all, Tuesday’s game was intense for both teams. For the Blue Anchors, the top of their order really came through as the first five batters in the order drove in all seven RBI.
Green Bay 10, Wisconsin Rapids 1
The Bullfrogs scored early and kept piling on as they eliminated the Rafters from securing a playoff spot in the first half of the season. Matt Esparza (Tennessee) pitched a fantastic game as he threw seven innings, allowed one run, two hits, and struck out eight hitters.
Wisconsin 5, Battle Creek 4
After the Bombers scored four runs in the first five innings, the Woodchucks responded with five unanswered runs. Matt Tellor (Southeast Missouri) hit a double and notched his 34th RBI of the first half.
La Crosse 6, Madison 5
In the biggest showdown of the night, the Loggers walked off in the bottom of the 9th after the offenses had gone quiet for three and a half innings. Michael Katz (William and Mary) collected three hits including the walk-off double. The Loggers win forces a tie in the standings, with the Mallards holding the edge in winning percentage.
St. Cloud 9, Rochester 6
The St. Cloud Rox scored multiple runs in four different innings after the game was 1-0 in favor of Rochester after four innings. Conor Keniry (Wake Forest) collected three hits and drove in four runs to help push the Rox to the win.
Wednesday Schedule:
Willmar vs. Duluth- 6:35
Lakeshore vs. Eau Claire- 6:35
Mankato vs. Waterloo- 6:35
Thunder Bay vs. Alexandria- 7:05
Green Bay vs. Wisconsin Rapids- 7:05
St. Cloud vs. Rochester- 7:05
Madison vs. La Crosse- 7:05
Wisconsin vs. Battle Creek- 7:05
