Huskies unleash 16 hits in pivotal game; Duluth clinches a first-half playoff bid
Evan Popalis, @evan_popalis
WATERLOO, Iowa — Following a deflating loss a night ago, the Duluth Huskies looked to find their way into the playoffs with a victory against the Waterloo Bucks. The Huskies sparked on offense early on and never looked back to find their 19th win of the season and clinch a first-half title.
The visiting Huskies were off and running in the top of the first. Eddy Rosario found his 26th RBI of the season on a base hit to bring home Vanderbilt product JD Rogers to give Duluth a 1-0 lead.
Fast forward to the fourth inning, the Huskies were right back on the scoresheet. Devin Hurdle blasted a towering three-run home run to extend the Duluth lead. Kristian Campbell provided an RBI single later in the frame to get the Huskies ahead, 5-0.
Colin Burgess marked his first homer of the year with a solo shot in the top of the seventh to get the Huskies ahead, 7-1.
Clarke University product Isaac Rohde got the start for the Huskies in the make-or-break contest, and he was fantastic. The southpaw tossed five strong innings, allowing one run on four hits. He racked up five strikeouts and one walk.
Nolan Lebamoff and Jake Christianson provided quality outings from the bullpen to propel Duluth to victory. After it was all said and done, the Huskies found victory by a final score of 8-3.
Duluth ends the first half with a record of 19-14, finishing a half game up on the Eau Claire Express to find its spot in the 2022 Northwoods League Playoffs. It is the inaugural first-half championship under the guidance of fourth-year skipper Marcus Pointer.
The Huskies are back in action Wednesday at Wade Stadium to take on the Bismarck Larks. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm CT.