The Duluth Huskies (22-27) lost a heartbreaker to the Green Bay Bullfrogs (22-27) Thursday night.
Coming off the All-Star break, the Huskies were looking to rebound as the push for the playoffs continues. The start of the game was pushed back to 7:15 as rain came through the Green Bay area. After the delay, the Huskies would come out of the gates sluggish as the Green Bay Bullfrogs put up 1 run in the 1st inning and 2 runs in the 2nd inning giving the Bullfrogs a 3-0 lead.
The top of the 4th inning saw 2 runs come across for the Huskies as Jake Pries tripled to score Dillon Paulson and then came in to score on a Justin Ambrosino double. The Huskies continued to fight and scored another run in the top of the 5th when Brendan McClary scored on a Carter Hanford sac fly to deep left tying the game at 3.
The Bullfrogs retook the lead in the bottom of the 6th when Matthew Hoeg scored on the Huskies 6th error of the night. Despite the 6 errors the Huskies continued to battle and took the lead in the top of the 8th inning when Pries hit a 2 run homerun to give the Huskies a 5-4 lead.
The Huskies carried their lead into the 9th inning and looked to seal the deal. As fate would have it however, the Bullfrogs scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th for the walk-off victory.
Corey Gaconi got the start for the Huskies and tossed 5.2 solid innings allowing 4 runs, 2 earned, on 7 hits while walking 0 and striking out 6. Wade Regas replaced Gaconi and pitched 1.1 innings allowing 0 runs on 0 hits. Payton Robinson came in a pitched a quick 8th inning then ran into trouble in the 9th. Robinson picked up the loss after throwing 1.2 innings allowing 2 runs on 2 hits and striking out 2. Quentin Longrie also made an appearance for the Huskies coming into a bases loaded situation in the bottom of the 9th innings and allowed 1 hit and 1 walk.
Jake Pries had a great night for the Huskies at the plate going 2-3 with a 3B, HR, BB, and 3RBIs.
The Huskies are back in action tomorrow night in Green Bay as they battle the Bullfrogs in the series finale. First pitch from Joannes Stadium is set for 7:05. The Huskies return to Duluth on Sunday, July 24th to battle the St. Cloud Rox. First pitch from Wade Stadium is set for 3:05.
On July 24th the Huskies are celebrating Christmas in July sponsored by Bentleyville. There will be fire pits for roasting marshmallows outside Wade Stadium, a fully decorated Christmas tree inside the main concourse, and fans will receive an ornament while supplies last. For more information, contact the Duluth Huskies front office at 218-786-9909 or huskies@duluthhuskies.com