LA CROSSE, WI – On a four-game winning streak, the La Crosse Loggers were ready to start a four-game homestand to keep on rolling. The first order of business would be a two-game series against the Bismarck Larks. What started out to be a standard game, quickly turned into a blowout when the Loggers put up 11 runs in the bottom of the third inning. Loggers' starting pitching and offense would be enough tonight. Winning by a score of 13-3 pushes the team to 27-33 on the season and 13-13 on the second half as crunch time before playoffs approaches.
One could not ask for a much better start tonight from RHP Garrett Christman (Butler). Christman has proved throughout the season that he can do it all and tonight he showed his stuff on the mound. In 6.1 innings of work, he allowed no runs on just two hits with seven strikeouts and one walk. With his best start of the season, Christman moves to 4-3 on the season and improves his ERA to 4.05. Relief appearances were made by both RHP Chris Boettcher (Indianapolis) and LHP Johnny Croley (Reinhardt). After giving up seven of the 11 runs in the bottom of the third inning, Larks' RHP Frank Greco would take the loss on the night.
13 runs on 14 hits were tallied by the Lumbermen mostly thanks to an 11-run bottom of the third inning. The Loggers sent 17 batters to the plate that inning to do damage and the Larks would never be able to recover. The hot bats of the night were in the hands of Kennie Taylor (Duke) going 4-for-6 with two doubles and a solo homerun resulting in one RBI, Ryan Mantle (Creighton) going 2-for-3 with one RBI, Jeremy Ydens (UCLA) going 2-for-4 with a double and a grand slam resulting in five RBI, Dashon Moore (South Suburban College) going 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI, and last but not least, Jorge Gutierrez (Texas A&M) going 2-for-5 with one RBI.
The La Crosse Loggers are right back in action tomorrow with a rematch against the Bismarck Larks. First pitch is set for 7:05 PM. It is "Ballpark Murder Mystery" Night presented by PIZZA HUT! Can you figure out who done it? Tuesdays are also "La Crosse Tribune TWOsdays", so clip out the 2-for-1 offer in the TWOsday Tribune and come on down to The Lumberyard to cheer on your Loggers! Gates open at 6:00 PM.
