LA CROSSE, WI – After puting a tough loss to the Duluth Huskies the night before behind them, the La Crosse Loggers were looking to bounce back to get set for a two-game home series against the Mankato MoonDogs. The offense was explosive producing twice as many hits as the MoonDogs tonight, but unfortunately, the Loggers were not able to fight all the way back as they fall 5-6.
Getting his third start of the season at The Lumberyard, RHP Grant Ford (Nevada) would begin on the mound tonight for the Loggers. Lasting just 1.2 innings, Ford would give up five runs on three hits handing him the loss tonight. Some great relief pitching by RHP Peter Hamot (Lewis), RHP Andrew Owen (Villanova), and LHP Jason Seever (Arizona) helped give the Loggers a chance to get back in the game. Hamot would allow one run on two hits in 3.0 innings of work, Owen allowed no runs on no hits and striking out two in 3.1 innings, and Seever pitched 1.0 inning allowing no runs on no hits and striking out one. However, the Loggers' offense would not be able to battle all the way back from an early five-run top of the second for the MoonDogs as LHP Collin Floyd would score the win with RHP Naithen Dewsnap getting the save.
The Loggers' offense would double the amount of hits that the MoonDogs had tonight. Leading the way at plate tonight were Luke Rasmussen (Long Beach State) going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, Jake Hirabayashi (UCLA) going 2-for-3 with one RBI, and David Villar (South Florida) going 3-for-5 with a double and two homeruns resulting in four RBI. It seemed that whenever the momentum was about to go in favor of the Loggers, the MoonDogs halted it right away resulting in the 5-6 loss.
Returning for game-two against the MoonDogs on Monday night, the Loggers first pitch is set for 7:05 PM. It is Baseball Card Giveaway Night with LEGENDS CARDS! The first 500 fans through the gates receive a FREE baseball card set from LEGENDS! It is also SHELBY YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL NIGHT AT THE PARK! Mondays are "Little League Mondays" presented by DICK'S SPORTING GOODS with little leaguers dressed in uniform getting in FREE with a paid adult! The gates open at 6:00 PM.
