The Duluth Huskies defeated the Willmar Stingers 4-3 in walk-off fashion after an 11-inning contest. Though it was another night of defensive mishaps, the Huskies stood undeterred as they looked to even the reigns of the North Division.
The Huskies came out with a steady offense in the first inning of the game. They scored two runs on one hit, as they continued to display the patience that they have at the plate. The bats would remain quieted by the Stingers, until they inevitably pushed across their third run of the game in the fourth inning.
Willmar was ready to mount their comeback in the seventh and eighth innings. In the seventh, Cunningham made quick work for the first two outs, but then trouble stirred. Marcus Still singled, after seeing two pitches. Garrett Brown entered the game in relief. Still stole his way into scoring position, and eventually scored after a walk and two errors. The eighth was just as dismal, two more runs crossed the plate for the Stingers.
The game remained even throughout the rest of the game, as both defenses were tightened up. Both teams went three-up, three- down in the ninth. Willmar was prepared to make a run for the lead in the top of the 10th inning. Hopes were high with the Huskies, as the first two outs came quickly. The offense came alive when a throwing error by the shortstop put a runner on first. A single and a walk loaded the bases. The crowd tried to fight the Stingers’ momentum as they got louder and louder. One of the biggest battles of the night came between Marcus Still and Andrew ODwyer. An 11 pitch at-bat ended in the third out of the inning with a flyout to center field.
Kevin Folman came in to pitch the 11th inning, allowing one hit and zero runs. In the bottom of the 11th, Carter Hanford put a hard swing on a ball to drive it into right field, with the ball bouncing out of play, allowing him to second base. It was small ball from there as Sam Baier laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, as the Willmar catcher picked up the ball and threw it into left field. This allowed Hanford to score, and start the dogpile at home plate.
Rudy Karre led the Huskies with two hits, one RBI, and scoring once in the game. Brady Shockey had two hits of his own for the Stingers, as he scored once as well. Nick Lackney threw six innings for the Stingers, allowing three runs on five hits. Cunningham was stellar on the mound for the Huskies once again, allowing one unearned run on eight hits in six and two-thirds innings pitched. Yancey, ODwyer, and Folman took the reigns from there, shutting the Stingers down for the last three innings, giving their offense the opportunity to capitalize in midst of a walk-off and their first home win of the 2017 season.
Though the weather was beautiful to begin the game, but proceeded to get ugly, the fans were determined to show their support for their Huskies. The Wade was loud and jumping through every part of the game, and everything felt perfect, as the final, winning run slid across the plate. The walk-off victory paved set the stage for a positive outlook to tomorrow’s match-up against Rochester. It is “Every Monday Matters,” bring a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene items and receive a voucher for a $4 General Admission ticket. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Doors open at 5:35. Come out and cheer on your Duluth Huskies as they look to get their second home win!
