La Crosse’s Drew Christo, a Nebraska product, was on the hump for the Loggers to start. The right-handed hurler tallied 3.0 innings, surrendering 3 earned runs on 4 hits, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Christo ran into trouble early, as he walked the bases loaded in the first inning, eventually giving up a 2 RBI double by Magnum Hofstetter.
The Loggers struck back in the sixth, when Connor Walsh singled and willed himself into scoring position, ultimately scoring on a wild pitch. The Logger’s second run was scored in the seventh inning by newcomer Jack Haley, who was driven in by infielder Bill Ralston. Haley’s debut was spectacular, going 3-3 on the night with a double and a walk. The Southern California native described his approach at the plate as being an “up-the-middle” mindset, while “sitting on the fastball and waiting back on breaking pitches.”
Haley’s standout performance was not enough to overcome the Rox, who received quality pitching from Johnny Dow, Logan Herrera, Aiden Adams, and Zane Badmaez, who collectively allowed only 2 earned runs with 10 strikeouts on the evening. Offensively, St. Cloud’s bats came alive in the seventh inning, scoring 4 runs all after two outs. Rox’s hitters Jack Steil and Magnum Hoffstetter both went 2-3 on the night.
After being swept by St. Cloud, the Loggers will look to bounce back tomorrow, continuing their homestand against the Mankato MoonDogs at Copeland Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm at the Lumberyard.
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The La Crosse Loggers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 28th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 280 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.lacrosseloggers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Loggers as your favorite team.
