On a cool night in the Twin Ports, the Huskies (6-5) couldn’t heat things up with their bats.  The hometown team dropped another game in a row, losing 8-0 to the Willmar Stingers (6-5).

The Stingers came out to an early lead in the first inning, scoring one run on two hits.  After a walk and two singles, the run was driven in.  Their offense let loose in the top of the third, scoring three times on four hits and one error.  Marcus Still singled and would advance to third after drawing a wild throw from the pitcher on a pick-off move.  He would be driven in by Emery who doubled.  A hit batter and two more hits caused the other runs to score, which would only add more insurance for the Stingers.  Their offense was relatively quiet, until scoring one run in the seventh and three more in the ninth.  In the ninth, five hitters reached first base before the first out was made.  They scored three runs on only one hit, two walks, a hit batter and one costly error. 

The Huskies offense could only muster up five hits on the night.  None of the hits were strung together, as they were scattered throughout the game.  Augie Isaacson was the only Huskie to reach base twice, as he went 1-2 with a single and a walk.

Garrett Brown started on the mound for the Huskies, going four innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits, while walking two and striking out one.  Trevor Smisek threw two innings in relief, allowing zero runs on one hit.  Jackson Hickert allowed four runs on one hit, and two walks in one inning of work.  Victor Santana also threw an inning of his own.  Once again the Huskies had some defensive hiccups, committing three errors in the game.

Everything was working for Willmar tonight in their shutout effort.  Blake Stockert’s pitching performance led the Stingers to victory.  He threw six innings, allowing zero runs, on four hits, and striking out four batters.  The bullpen wouldn’t let him down as Churchill, Johns, and Reyes each entered the game with an inning of their own, only giving up one hit between the three of them.  Two Stingers stuck out at the plate, as Rob Emery went 2-3 with one RBI and three runs scored.  Marcus Still also went 2-3 at the plate, scoring twice and walking twice.

The Huskies now move to a 6-5 record on the year, while moving to fourth in the North Division.  They will look to bounce back tomorrow against Willmar, as they play at 6:35 p.m.  Gates open at 5:35 p.m.  It is also Cereal Bowl Giveaway Day, while supplies last!  Come out and support your hometown Duluth Huskies!