1st Baseman Sal Taormina and Charles Thielmann (Kean University teammates) try to hold on the runner in action at TBaytel Park. The Waterloo Bucks would win 6-1 over the Thunder Bay Border Cats. (Photo Courtesy of James Mirabelli Photography).

The Waterloo Bucks (37-20, 13-9) put together a 5-run 4th inning and that was the difference as they beat the Thunder Bay Border Cats (18-37, 4-16) 6-1 to open a 4-game series at TBaytel Park. It is the 13th time in a row that Waterloo has beaten Thunder Bay, a streak that dates back to July 13, 2012.

Kevin Kaczmarski got things started for Waterloo by line driving a home run over the right field fence in the 4th. That would end up his only hit of the night. Jon McAllister, Conor McClain, Mikal Hill and Luke Stratman all collected two hit nights as the Bucks out hit the Cats narrowly 11-10.

The Border Cats responded in the bottom of the 4th and scored as Sal Taormina (Kean University) was knocked in by Jordan Serena (Columbia University) on an infield single. Serena joined the 20-RBI club, and had three infield base hits going 3-4 to lead the Cats offense. The Border Cats left the bases loaded in the bottom of the 4th and would not threaten the Bucks too much thereafter. Cory Kay (Missouri State) had the only other multi-hit game going 2-4.

Waterloo Starter Landon Simpson collected his 5th win (5-0) of the season allowing eight hits and a run, walking one and striking out three. Tim Shannon and Matt Behounek combined for four innings of shutout ball allowing two hits and striking out one.

Charles Thielmann (Kean University), the Cats Starter, took the loss (2-3) going four innings allowing all five runs in the 4th on eight hits and a pair of walks. He struck out one. Austin Griffie (Harford CC) and Michael Daley (Kean University) combined to go the rest of the way surrendering three hits and an unearned run with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts as the Cats tried to get back in it.

The series continues on Sunday night starting at 5:05pm from TBaytel Park. Gunnar Kay (Dallas Baptist) is scheduled to go. The freshman righty is 2-1 with a 5.15 ERA. The Bucks will counter with Fighting Illini freshman Cody Sedlock scheduled to start. The righty brings a 4-2 record with a 2.79 ERA to the mound, making his 11th start, looking to win his third straight.