Rochester, Minn (August 5th, 2013)–The last week of the season began on Monday with a few big match ups leading the way. With just a week remaining, both Duluth and Lakeshore have slim leads that they need to hold onto to get into the playoffs. 

With Waterloo appearing as if they cannot be caught, the North Division will hand its second playoff spot off to the other team with the best overall record on the season. Heading into the day, Duluth held a lead in that department and expanded it as they down Mankato 12-6 on the road.

In the South, Lakeshore came out with another big win as they keep pushing towards the playoff spot. Despite losing out to Madison in the first half, the Chinooks hold the best overall record in the South and have a lead of multiple games in the second half. Their win over La Crosse helped them maintain their lead over Eau Claire, who also won.

Eau Claire 4, Battle Creek 1

The Express pitching staff out-dueled Cam Wysocki (Michigan) for the win on Monday. Even though Wysocki pitched eight innings and allowed only two earned runs, he lost to Brandon Jackson (Oregon State) who was just a bit sharper. Jackson tossed six innings and struck out six batters while allowing just one earned run on the night.

Green Bay 3, Wisconsin 1

Much like in the game in Eau Claire, this game featured a tough-luck loser who pitched a full game. Curtis Morgan (Wisconsin-Whitewater) pitched a full game and allowed two runs, but he lost to Garrett Harrison (St. Cloud State) who tossed six shutout innings for the Bullfrogs. Green Bay’s bullpen allowed a run, but they were able to hold on for the win.

Duluth 12, Mankato 6

The Huskies scored seven times in the first two innings to get an early lead and beat Mankato on Monday. Five of the top six hitters in the lineup drove in runs, but the offense was directed by Trey Vavra (Eastern Illinois). Vavra hit two home runs and drove in three in his six trips to the plate. On the night, the Huskies hit four dingers to get the win over Mankato.

Madison 4, Wisconsin Rapids 3

Facing a 2-1 deficit heading into the eighth, the Mallards grabbed the lead by scoring twice as they got a late win against Wisconsin Rapids. Both starters were excellent in this game as they combined for 13 innings and one earned run. Unfortunately for Wisconsin Rapids, their defense and bullpen failed them late as the Mallards kept pace with Lakeshore for the rights to the best overall record in the South.

Waterloo 6, Alexandria 4 (F/10)

The Waterloo Bucks picked up their 47th win on the season by taking down the Blue Anchors on Monday. With a firm lead on the overall record, the Bucks continue to stay hot as they head towards the playoffs. John Ziznewski (Long Island) hit a home run as he collected three hits and drove in two runs on the night.

Lakeshore 3, La Crosse 1

The Chinooks grabbed a 2-1 lead after the first inning and it’s all their pitching staff would need. Though the starter went just four innings, the Chinooks were able to hold down the Loggers all night. The Chinooks’ bullpen pitched five innings and allowed zero runs while striking out four and allowing only five hits. 

Willmar 11, St. Cloud 3

The Stingers grabbed a 4-2 lead early and tacked on some extra runs in the middle innings as they buried the Rox on Monday. Nick Halamandaris (California) launched a home run and drove in four runs to do the bulk of the work on offense. The Stingers also got ten hits from their first four batters in the order.

Rochester 14, Thunder Bay 1

The last few days have not been friendly to the Border Cats, and things didn’t get any better on Monday. Matt Kent (Texas A&M) turned in one of the best starters in the Northwoods League as he baffled Thunder Bay. Kent went eight innings and allowed two hits and no walks as he struck out 11 batters and allowed one lone earned run.

Tuesday Schedule:

Waterloo vs. Lakeshore- 6:05 (resuming previously suspended game)
Wisconsin vs. Duluth- 6:35
Lakeshore vs. Waterloo- 6:35
Madison vs. Willmar- 7:05
Eau Claire vs. Thunder Bay- 7:05
Wisconsin Rapids vs. St. Cloud- 7:05
Green Bay vs. Mankato- 7:05
La Crosse vs. Alexandria- 7:05
Battle Creek vs. Rochester- 7:05