Rochester, Minn (July 8th, 2013)–At first glance, run totals from Monday may hint towards a great offensive night. While that was true in some cases, several starting pitchers had great nights.

The greatest success was found in Mequon where the starters for La Crosse and Lakeshore combined for 12.1 innings and just three runs while striking out 7 batters and allowing only nine hits.

For Duluth, the Huskies got a great effort out of Chris Cervantes (Eastern Kentucky). He allowed just one run over six innings while allowing just two hits and working around five walks. In Rochester, the Mankato MoonDogs got a great start from Jon Perrin (Oklahoma State) who allowed just two runs in 5.2 innings while picking up a win.

Lakeshore 2, La Crosse 1

As mentioned before, this game was all about the starting pitching. Cameron Rowland (Diablo Valley CC) tossed five innings and allowed just two runs on five hits in the loss. His counterpart Tyler Thicke (Milwaukee) was just a bit better as he threw 7.1 innings and allowed just one run on four hits while striking out five.

Madison 12, Eau Claire 5

Neither offense in Eau Claire got the memo on Monday that starting pitchers were going to have great nights. Both teams scored early and often as the Mallards held a 6-5 lead after four innings before pulling away late. On the night, the Mallards totaled 20 hits and all but one hitter in the lineup had a multi-hit game.

Waterloo 8, Alexandria 5 (F/10)

The Bucks remain scorching hot and undefeated in the 2nd half after Monday night’s win in Alexandria. Aaron Rhodes (Florida) turned in a quality start with six innings and three runs allowed while striking out eight hitters. The Bucks blew another late lead after Alexandria scored twice in the bottom of the 8th, but they were able to take care of business and shut the door in the 10th.

Wisconsin 4, Green Bay 3

The Woodchucks were among the teams to get a strong start from their pitcher on Monday. Ryan McCarthy (Rice) threw 5.2 innings and allowed just two earned runs on four hits while striking out six batters. His counterpart Matt Esparza (Tennessee) was also strong in the game as he allowed just one earned run in seven innings.

Mankato 10, Rochester 2

While the MoonDog offense was busy scoring runs in five consecutive innings, Jon Perrin (Oklahoma State) worked on shutting down the Honkers. In 5.2 innings of work, Perrin allowed just two runs on six hits while earning the win. John Twichell (UT-Arlington) had a huge night with a double, two home runs and six RBI.

St. Cloud 12, Thunder Bay 3

Jason Hoppe (Minnesota State-Mankato) was strong on Monday as he tossed five innings and allowed just two runs on six hits. He was able to pick up the win thanks to a huge night from his offense. The Rox turned in a big 2nd inning as they scored seven times to get up early and win the game with ease.

Duluth 10, Willmar 1

The Huskies scored ten runs between the 2nd and 4th innings in aid of Chris Cervantes (Eastern Kentucky) who was solid on the mound. Cervantes may have walked five batters, but he allowed just two hits and gave up only one lone run in six innings of work.

Wisconsin Rapids 4, Battle Creek 3

In the losing effort, the Battle Creek bullpen worked seven innings and allowed just five hits and no walks while shutting out the Rafters. Unfortunately for the Bombers, the Rafters scored four times in the first two innings while coaxing five walks. This was in support of Brandon Schmidt (Central Arkansas) who struck out six in five innings and grabbed the win.

Tuesday Schedule:

Mankato vs. Rochester- 1:05
Green Bay vs. Wisconsin- 6:35
La Crosse vs. Lakeshore- 6:35
Waterloo vs. Alexandria- 7:05
Duluth vs. Willmar- 7:05
Thunder Bay vs. St. Cloud- 7:05
Wau Claire vs. Madison- 7:05
Wisconsin Rapids vs. Battle Creek- 7:05