The Huskies lost 6-4 in the home opener against the Willmar Stingers tonight at Wade Municipal Stadium. There was much fight in their swings, but the Stingers would prove to be too much for them as the Huskies struggled to field the ball cleanly.
Willmar scored early in both the first and third inning. They maintained strength in stealing their way into scoring position and hitting their runners in. The Huskies weren’t going to let them steal the show however, as a they would come back to tie in the bottom of the third. They would score twice on two hits, and while showing patience at the plate and taking advantage of a costly Stinger error. The Huskies took that momentum onto the field, accomplishing a three-up, three-down inning. The offense would come alive again in the bottom of the fourth inning scoring one run on one hit and two errors.
The Huskies put up one more run in the sixth, but it was all Willmar from there though, as they continued their offensive play, scoring two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings. Their pitching and defense would hold strong, no-hitting the Huskies in the last three innings of the game. Neither team played a very clean game. Willmar scored six runs on twelve hits while making three errors. The Huskies scored four runs on seven hits while committing five errors.
The starting pitcher for the Huskies tonight was Henry Decaster, who chucked five strong innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and striking out six. The bullpen also did a fine job, limiting the damage throughout the game, but it would not be enough to hold Willmar at bay. Blake Stockart threw three and two-thirds innings, while giving up three runs for Willmar. The bullpen held a steady grip on the Huskies as they would only allow one run for the rest of the game. Nolan Bumstead and Brady Shockey led the Stingers with two hits apiece. Several Huskies had a hit in the game, but Gabe Knowles stood out, while crossing the plate twice.
Though the Huskies didn’t come out with a win, the crowd was very excited and supporting of their hometown team. The weather was clear just in time for the first pitch, and stayed beautiful until the last out. It wasn’t the best outcome the fans could have hoped for, but the talent and excitement that encapsulates the Huskies Organization was surely present here tonight.
The Duluth Huskies remain at home for the next 10 days with 11 games yet to play before they hit the road once again. Tomorrow’s game is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. and it is also the Huskie Hat Give-Away (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST). Doors open at 2:00 p.m.
