Late game energy aids Bismarck to a comeback win Thursday
Zach Linfield, zachlinfield@gmail.com
Bismarck, N.D. — The Huskies reopened play following the All-Star break at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark for a two-game set against the Bismarck Larks. Coming into the series, the Larks boasted a 3-1 record against Duluth and a clean 2-0 in their territory. That trend didn’t change on Thursday night as the Larks downed the Huskies late, 3-2.
In 100° temperatures and a crowd of just less than 2,000, the Huskies repped the road blues and had a hot start from starter, Ben Gerl. The lefty from Joliet, Illinois and Northern Kentucky University impressed in his second start giving 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 K with his fastball reaching 89 mph, the hardest he’s thrown in a Huskies’ uniform thus far. He was relieved by the newcomer from Australia, Richard Kiel in the 6th and gave Manager Marcus Pointer two scoreless innings. The Huskies led the scoring off with a Mike Boeve single that scored Michael Brooks, who also reached on a single in the 1st. Carter Rost (ND, 3-0) was backed by three different arms who locked down innings 2-8 for Bismarck.
The fun for the Larks began in the bottom of the 8th. Another Huskies pitcher making his debut, Xavier Fosbenner (L, 0-1) had to deal with the inevitable rain that was looming in the central North Dakota area. As buckets of rain started pouring down, Fosbenner walked the bases loaded and gave way to Duluth’s closer, Ethan Hammerberg. Two singles to right field later and Bismarck held a late 3-1 lead. The 9th inning almost provided extra fireworks when the Huskies’ saw Ryan McDonald and Charlie Rhee both reach. Michael Brooks took the plate with two outs and hit a sharp ground ball to Larks’ Shortstop who missed 1st base badly with the throw. The ricochet came straight back to Drew Beazley and caught Brooks in a pickle. Rhee was unable to score from third and the game ended in disappointing fashion for the Huskies with the hot hitting Paulsen coming to the dish. Brett Barnett (W, 1-2) earned his first win of the season in relief.
Brett Paulsen recorded the only multi hit game, going 2-4 with a stolen base. McDonald and Boeve both tagged on one hit apiece.
The Huskies visit Bismarck Municipal Ballpark for the last time in the regular season Friday night at 7:05 PM with Ronnie Voacolo on the mound. Duluth will look to snap their three-game losing skid.
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The Duluth Huskies are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 27th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 250 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.duluthhuskies.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Huskies as your favorite team.
