Rochester, Minn (July 20th, 2013)–Elton John’s hit song has a title that fits in with how Northwoods League action played out on Saturday. With warm weather, clear skies, and plenty of baseball on the schedule, teams squared off as they head into the All Star Break.

The story of the second half remains the Waterloo Bucks, who won in a huge way again on Saturday. With eleven runs in the second inning of their game against the Honkers, they were able to pull away early and cruise to victory.

Meanwhile, the Lakeshore Chinooks continue to try to keep pace with the Bucks for best record in the second half. By pulling out a win in extra innings on Saturday, the Chinooks pushed their record north by another game.

Lakeshore 6, Wisconsin Rapids 4 (F/12)

This game was tied headed into the ninth inning. In the final frame, the two squads traded runs and were sent into extras. In the top of the 12th, the Chinooks pushed two runs across after the Rafters made a crucial error in the field. The Chinooks’ bullpen was great as they pitched six innings and allowed just one one.

Willmar 7, Mankato 5

After having a miserable time trying to score runs through the first seven innings of Saturday’s game, the Willmar Stingers broke through with five runs in the top of the eighth inning. The bottom of the order was key for Willmar as they combined for seven hits, five RBI, and four runs scored.

St. Cloud 8, Alexandria 2

After the Rox scored four runs in the first inning, Evan Wolf (UC Davis) took over on the mound. Wolf pitched six innings and allowed just one run on six hits with four strikeouts while earning the win. The St. Cloud offense collected fourteen hits. On the way, two three-hit games were recorded by the fourth and fifth hitters in the lineup.

Thunder Bay 11, Duluth 4

The Border Cats broke out late in what had been a close game through seven innings. Thunder Bay put up a six spot in the top of the eighth inning as they ran away with Saturday’s game against Duluth. Dylan Becker (Missouri State) led the way with two hits, three runs, and a pair of RBI.

Wisconsin 6, Madison 4

After five combined runs in the first inning, the two pitching staffs settled in and went to work. Post-first inning, the two teams allowed just five runs in 15 frames. Dan Weigel (Bucknell) turned in a quality start for the Woodchucks in the win.

Waterloo 15, Rochester 3

The Bucks may have a hard time topping their first-half division title, but if anything has come close as a moment this season, it has to be their 11 run second inning on Saturday. On the night, five different Waterloo hitters recorded multi-RBI games, and three players recorded three or more. David Kerian (Illinois) led the way with four hits, two home runs, and four RBI.

Eau Claire Express 4, Battle Creek 1

Taylor Duree (New Mexico) made a great start on Saturday with seven innings pitched and only one run allowed. On the night, he allowed just two hits and recorded eight strikeouts in the win. The Express offense collected eleven hits and five walks in support.

Green Bay 4, La Crosse 3 (F/11)

After the fourth inning, offenses completely shut down in Green Bay on Saturday. Between the fourth and 11th innings, zero runs crossed the plate as pitchers dominated. The Green Bay Bullfrog was especially impressive as they allowed only one run on three hits in five innings of work, which left the door open for the offense to win the game in the bottom of the 11th inning.

Sunday Schedule:

La Crosse vs. Green Bay- 1:05
Waterloo vs. Rochester- 1:05
Thunder Bay vs. Duluth- 2:05
St. Cloud vs. Alexandria- 5:05
Eau Claire vs. Battle Creek- 5:05
Wisconsin Rapids vs. Lakeshore- 5:05
Madison vs. Wisconsin- 5:05
Mankato vs. Willmar- 6:05