The Logs continued rolling as they defeated their Great Plains East rivalry last night in Eau Claire, extending their winning streak to seven games. For the first time this season, La Crosse has surpassed the .500 mark.
Getting the start and making his debut for the Lumberman was Matthew Linskey (Rice), who pitched 2.0 scoreless innings. The 6-7 right-hander walked a batter and fanned 3. Mickey Thompson (San Jose State) pitched in relief, allowing a big 5th inning for the Express, in which Charlie Szykowny (UW-Stout) blasted a devastating go-ahead grand slam. After the Loggers were able to regain the lead in the 7th, Jake Gebb (Nevada) earned the win after tossing a scoreless frame and Ricky Reeth (Notre Dame) recorded a 3.0 inning save. Through 13.1 innings pitched, Reeth has yet to allow a run.
In addition to Szykowny’s homer, a few others contributed offensively for the Express. Joe York (Cal Poly) went 2-4, Peter Brookshaw (North Dakota State) walked 3 times, and Caydn Schwabe (North Dakota State) went 1-3 with a double and run scored.
Jake Brown (Minnesota State-Mankato), an Eau Claire native, made his fourth start of the summer and his second against the Loggers. The hometown hurler tallied 4.0 innings, surrendering 4 runs on 5 hits and 4 strikeouts. His final line looked nearly identical to his previous outing against La Crosse. Isaac Benesh (Minnesota-Duluth) took the loss after struggling to get out of the 7th inning, where he allowed 3 runs.
Landon Wallace (Nevada), Josh Stevenson (LSU), and Xavier Casserilla (Wichita State) each had 2-hit nights, and each scored a run for the Loggers. Coby Morales (Washington) also homered to give his squad an early 1-0 in the 2nd. Throughout their six-game winning streak, the Lumberman bats have come alive, scoring an average of 10.6 runs per contest.
The Loggers are seeking to extend their winning streak to seven, as they return home today to battle the Express once more. Tonight, will be Father’s Day Olympics presented by Fleet Farm. In celebration of Father’s Day, fathers, grandfathers, and father figures will be partaking in fun on-field promotions throughout the game! The first pitch is slated for 6:35pm CT at historic Copeland Park.
Photo by Branden Nall
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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.