LA CROSSE, WI – After two tough losses to open the season, the La Crosse Loggers were hopeful as they began their second series of the season against the Mankato MoonDogs at the newly rennovated Copeland Park and Event Center.
From shortstop to first base to pitcher, Garrett Christman, Butler RHP, stood atop the mound on Thursday evening. The MoonDogs wasted no time building their lead, as they scored in each of the first four innings. Giving up five runs on seven hits, Christman was relieved by William & Mary RHP, Charlie Fletcher. RHP Andrew Owen (Villanova) would come into pitch in the sixth and RHP Chris Boettcher (Indianapolis) attempted to close out the game in the 9th, However, it seemed like no matter how far the Loggers worked through their bullpen the MoonDogs offense had an answer. MoonDog batters tallied hits off of each Loggers' pitcher to equal 11 hits, which led them to a 6-3 win.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Loggers. The wooden bats were silenced for much of the night as Mankato's winning pitcher, Tyler Lesley, allowed just two runs on four hits, while eight Loggers were strikeout victims. The few Logger offensive highlights included Joe LaCivita's (Illinois-Springfield) 2-for-3 night at the plate with a single and a triple off the right-center wall.
Still looking for their first win of the season, the La Crosse Loggers will play game two of the two-game series against the Mankato MoonDogs on Friday at 7:05 PM at Copeland Park. Gates will open at 6 PM for the "Happy Hour" with Howie's on La Crosse. Make sure to stick around for the FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA presented by Mayo Clinic Health System following the game.
