The Thunder Bay Border Cats ended up with a split of their season opening two-game series in Mankato after falling 4-2 to the MoonDogs on Tuesday night at ISG Field. Thunder Bay native Jack Pineau (Creighton University) made his Northwoods League debut and had a solid outing, although the righthander was saddled with the loss after Mankato struck for four runs in the 6th inning. Pineau struck out eight batters over six innings while allowing five hits and four runs, although two runs were unearned.
Mankato lefthander Reese Elston (Tarleton State University) shutdown the Thunder Bay lineup as he fired five no-hit innings while striking out seven. Logan Johnstone (Gonzaga University) of the Cats broke up the no-hitter with a single to centre field leading off the 7th inning when Thunder Bay scored both of its runs. Dalton Mullins (Angelina College) and Jackson Bonneville (University of Jamestown) drove in the Cats runs with a pair of RBI groundouts as Thunder Bay managed only two hits on the night.
The Cats continue their six-game road trip on Wednesday when they open a two-game set in Rochester against the Honkers at 7:35pm ET. Righthander Peyton Fosher (University of Nevada) is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay. The Border Cats play their home opener Tuesday, June 6, at 6:35pm at Port Arthur Stadium against the Duluth Huskies. The stadium ticket office is open weekdays from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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, 325 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). League games are viewable live for FREE via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com as well as select games on ESPN+ and ESPNU. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
