The La Crosse Loggers lost their series opener Thursday night to the Battle Creek Bombers 7-5 from Copeland Park.  It was the first game of a quick two-game homestand for the Lumbermen.

The Bombers struck early when designated hitter, Matt Dacey, crushed a three-run home run off Loggers' starter Ben Cejka (UW-La Crosse), to give Battle Creek a three run lead in the top of the first.

The lead for the Bombers would reach five runs, when the Loggers struck in the bottom of the fourth.  First basemen Marc Frazier (Nicholls State) hit his first home run of the season with a laser two-run shot to get the Loggers within three runs.  Adrian Chacon (North Carolina) would also score later in the inning when Jerod Bravo (Sacramento City CC) hit an RBI single. 

La Crosse would narrow the lead down to one in the bottom of the fifth when second basmen, Ryne Birk (Texas A&M), would single home shortstop Nash Knight (Dallas Baptist).

But that was the closest the Loggers would get.  Battle Creek would stretch their lead to 7-4 and after the Loggers tacked on a run in the bottom of the eighth, Bombers reliever, Zach Ryan would close the door for a five-out save.  

The Loggers and Bombers will conclude their two-game series Friday night from Copeland Park.  First pitch was slated for 7:05.