The Duluth Huskies (21-24) earned a comeback win over the Waterloo Bucks (26-18) Thursday night.
The Huskies fell behind early when the Bucks scored 1 run in the bottom of the 1st when Zach Weatherford scored on a Robert Neustrom single. The Huskies responded quickly scoring 2 runs in the top of the 2nd. The first of the two runs came across the plate when Matt Brown singled to left to score Liam Sabino from second base. The second of the two runs came across when Brett Milazzo singled to score Jake Pries. The Huskies added to their lead in the top of the 4th when Bucks pitcher Jordan Accetta hit Austin Bernard with a pitch driving in Sabino.
The Bucks cut into the Huskies lead in the bottom of the 4th when Adam McGinnis hit a one out, solo homerun to make the score 3-2 Huskies. The Bucks then went on to take the lead in the bottom of the 6th when Zach Weatherford and Robert Neustrom scored on a Tyler Curtis triple.
The Huskies battled back and tied the game in the top of the 8th when Pries singled to score Mitch Reeves. In the bottom of the 8th the Huskies used some great defense to preserve the tie when Daniel Amaral caught a fly ball in left then threw to first base to double-off the Bucks runner for a double play.
The Huskies took the lead in the top of the 9th when Carter Hanford singled to score Milazzo. Duluth padded to this lead later in the inning when Reeves hit a sac fly to score Bernard. The Huskies took a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the 9th and were able to hold on to get the victory.
Corey Gaconi got the start for the Huskies and tossed 6.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 8 hits while walking 1 and striking out 4. Drew Mullinax came into the game in relief and earned the win after tossing 2.1 innings and allowing 0 runs on 2 hits.
The star players for the Huskies tonight were Brett Milazzo who went 2-3 with an RBI, 1 run scored, and 2 walks; and Jake Pries who went 3-4 with a double, 1 run scored, and an RBI.
The Huskies are back in action tomorrow night for the series finale against the Waterloo Bucks. First pitch from Waterloo is scheduled for 7:05.
The Huskies return home Saturday, July 16th for the 75th Anniversary celebration of Wade Stadium sponsored by the Canal Park Business Association. The Huskies will be wearing throwback Dukes jerseys to celebrate the occasion. First pitch vs the Thunder Bay Border Cats is scheduled for 6:35. For more information, contact the Duluth Huskies front office at 218-786-9909 or huskies@duluthhuskies.com