Mankato, Minn. – Chad Dullnig (UT-San Antonio throws 3.2 innings in relief to guide the Loggers to a 3-2 win in Mankato
Mason McCoy (Iowa) started off the game with a leadoff double. After he stole 3rd base, he scored his 127th career run on a groundout by Griffin Conine (Duke) to take the first lead of the game.
With two runners on base, Mankato’s Jake Shepski (Notre Dame) tied the game up at 1-1 in the 3rd with a single, scoring Alvaro Rubalcaba (Cal. State Northfield).
After two more scoreless innings, the Loggers took the lead back in the 6th. A hit-by-pitch and a walk put to runners on base with no outs for Grant Fennell (Nevada). He brought in a run on a single up the middle. Lars Nootbaar (USC) followed him with another single, scoring the third run of the game for the Loggers.
Mankato cut the lead in half in the 7th. Jordan Washam (Louisiana Tech) led off the inning with a triple to center field. Drew Fearing (North Dakota State) hit a grounder to shortstop Mason McCoy. McCoy threw home and caught Washam in a pickle. After Washam was tagged out, Loggers’ catcher Cesar Salazar (Arizona) threw to 2nd base to try to get Fearing out. But an errant throw allowed Fearing to reach 3rd base. Eric Peterson (Minnesota State Mankato) scored Fearing on a groundout to second base.
Cason Sherrod (Texas A&M) cleaned up shop in the 9th inning for his 1st save of the season.
Chad Dullnig earn his 1st win as a Logger (1-0) with 3.2 innings in relief. He gave up a run on 2 hits with 4 strikeouts.
Kenny Varnell (Fresno State) takes the loss for Mankato (1-1). He pitched 1.2 inning, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He walked a batter with 4 strikeouts.
La Crosse moves up to 16-11 in the 2nd half (33-30 overall). Mankato falls to 18-10 in the 2nd half (40-23 overall). St. Cloud lost tonight in Thunder Bay, so the Loggers now are within 2.5 games to the Rox for the 2nd half lead. The Loggers return home for a home series against the last place Duluth Huskies. Game time tomorrow night is 7:05. Gates open at 6 pm.
