Rox battle back to defeat Huskies; Campbell secures 2 RBIs
DULUTH, Minn — For the first time this season, the St. Cloud Rox made the journey to Wade Stadium to take on the Duluth Huskies. In a low-scoring affair, the visiting squad was able to find victory against Duluth.
The scoring got underway in the bottom of the second with a Cam Frederick sacrifice fly to bring home Jack Painter. Kristian Campbell found the second run for the Huskies on a single into right field. Jonathan Vastine crossed home plate safely to put Duluth ahead, 2-0.
Fast forward to the top of the fifth, St. Cloud found its answer. The Rox matched the Huskies’ two runs on the scoreboard to get things even in the middle frames.
One inning later, the Rox wanted more offense and they got it. After multiple free passes issued by Duluth pitching, St. Cloud found a pair of runs to match their total, going ahead, 4-2.
Campbell brought Vastine home again in the seventh to cut the deficit to one run. Campbell’s two RBIs on the day move his 2022 total to 31.
An RBI base hit in the eighth gave the Rox breathing room heading into the ninth.
The Rox turned to their all-star closer in Chase Grillo. He worked a smooth inning to polish off a 5-3 win against the Huskies.
St. Cloud starter Carson Keithley earned his third victory of the season. He found a quality start in five innings of work, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and a walk.
Alex Potter made his first start for the Huskies in 2022. He matched Keithley with five innings on the mound, giving up six hits resulting in two runs. He had four strikeouts and a walk in the no-decision.
JD McReynolds was handed his first loss of the season after a bumpy top of the sixth in relief.
The loss sends the Huskies to 2-3 (19-15). The victory extends the Rox’ win streak to five games and puts their record at 5-0 (30-8).
The two teams will battle it out once more Monday night at Wade Stadium. The Huskies are searching for a split and have not been swept at home so far this season. The first pitch is slated for 6:35 pm CT.
###