The Duluth Huskies fell to the Thunder Bay Thunder Cats 6-2 in today’s match-up. It was a beautiful day for baseball, but the Huskies’ struggled to put runs on the board as Thunder Bay’s pitching didn’t let up.
The Thunder Cats got out to an early lead in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs on two hits. The big inning started with an error by the Huskies first baseman, who couldn’t hold on to the throw across the diamond from the shortstop. A double and a walk would follow to load the bases. Another single was what drove in the two runs, one unearned and the other earned.
Their offense would remain consistent throughout the game, putting runs up in the third, fourth and seventh innings. Two singles and a walk pushed across the run in the third inning. A run crossed in the fourth after there were two quick outs, then a single, stolen base, and RBI single pushed in the runner to score. Two runs were scored in the seventh as there was a hit batter and a walk, as good base running put them into scoring position as a single was slapped into the outfield to drive them in. They would not put up a threat in the eighth.
The Huskies’ offense struggled throughout the first eight innings of the game, as they had only seven hits until that point. They were looking to put a dent into the Thunder Cats’ lead, as the hitters looked calmer and more determined at the plate. Their bats exploded with zero outs in the inning, as Sam Baier led off the inning with a single, Caleb Robinson, walked to get on, and Kyle Hubbuch drove in both runs with a double. The celebration would be short-lived however, as Hubbuch attempted to steal third and was tossed out to end the inning, which killed the Huskies’ rally. They would muster up an infield hit by Brett Milazzo in the top of the ninth, but it wasn’t enough for a full-on comeback.
Jake Mielock started on the mound for Thunder Bay, going four strong innings, allowing only three hits, while walking four and striking out four. He was relieved by Fokkema, Cook, and Johnson. Their bullpen efforts allowed two runs on six hits. The two runs came against Cook in the eighth inning. Noah Strohl’s offensive efforts didn’t go unnoticed. He went 2-4 on the day with an impressive four RBIs.
Henry DeCaster started on the mound for the Huskies, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits, while walking three, striking out five, in five innings of work. Truso and ODwyer relieved him out of the pen. Truso allowed two runs on one hit in two innings. ODwyer threw one inning, allowing zero runs. Sam Baier stood out at the plate, going 3-4 with a walk, and a run scored. Kyle Hubbuch led the team with two RBIs.
Though the Huskies struggled today, we have seen what their offense, defense, and pitching can all do when it’s all working together. This is a very talented team. Like any team, there will be ups and downs, but it is always fun to watch them play ball. They still have plenty of home games left to play before they hit the road next week. Tomorrow they are scheduled to play Willmar at 6:35 p.m. at Wade Municipal Stadium. The doors open at 5:35 p.m. Come out and root for your hometown Huskies!
