Duluth, Minn. – The Loggers score two runs in the 9th for enough cushion for a 7-5 victory in Wade Stadium over the Duluth Huskies.
The Huskies grabbed a run in the first inning on a RBI groundout to the second baseman by Jake Pries (UCLA). The scored again in the 2nd on a one out solo home run by Matt Brown (Jeff Co).
The Loggers came storming back in the top of the 3rd. Cullen Large (William & Mary) singled with runners on 1st and 2nd and one out, scoring Nick Schranck (Illinois Central). Three batters later and the bases loaded, Lorenzo Hampton Jr. (California) brought in two more with a single. Gavin Johns (UCLA) added the 4th and 5th runs on another single, giving La Crosse a 5-2 lead.
Duluth started chipping away at the Loggers’ lead with a single by Jake Pries. Loggers’ starter was able to end the threat two batters later without any further damage done for his last inning of work. Pries struck again in the 7th with a double that scored Liam Sabino (Vanderbilt), making it only a one run lead.
Again the Huskies threatened and nearly took the lead in the bottom of the 8th. A hit-by-pitch and two walks loaded the bases with two outs. Duluth was in position change the game dramatically, but Dave Smith (Long Beach State) came into the game and struck out the first batter he saw to end the scare.
The La Crosse offense was held to just 3 hits after their big 3rd inning, but came to life in the top of the 9th. Lars Nootbar (USC) led off with a walk. After a sacrifice bunt moved him to 2nd, he scored on a throwing error by the right fielder Austin Bernard (Pepperdine) after a double by Grant Fennell (Nevada). Justin Wylie (San Diego State) extended the lead back to 3 runs with a single, scoring Fennell from 2nd base.
The Huskies did give up without a fight. Jake Pries was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Two batters later, he scored from 2nd on a single by Dillon Paulson (USC). Dave Smith got a strikeout and a groundout to give La Crosse the 7-5 victory.
Andrew Perez won his 3rd game of the season (3-1). He pitched 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 7 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 5.
Fred Manke (Minnesota) took the loss (0-1) for the Huskies. He pitched 3 innings, giving up 5 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits. He walked 3 batters.
Dave Smith got his 4th save of the season.
La Crosse moves up to 10-9 on the 2nd half (27-28 overall). Duluth loses their 5th straight game, falling to 6-14 (24-32 overall). Both clubs travel south for a 2-game series at the Lumberyard. Gates open at 5 pm for the 6:05 first pitch.