WATERLOO – A two-out double steal in the eighth inning, coupled with some strong relief pitching from closer Zach Cooper (Central Michigan), led Waterloo to a 8-7 win over Thunder Bay Sunday afternoon.
A crowd of 1,178 fans got their money’s worth and more. The Bucks took a quick 3-1 lead in the first on designated hitter Pat Stover’s (Santa Clara) first home run but had to fend off rallies from the Border Cats throughout the remainder of the game. TB held a 6-4 advantage after five and a half but another three-run rally for the home side in the 6th made it 7-6. After the visitors tied the score with a run in the 7th, Waterloo put runners on first and third in the eighth with two outs. The double steal came up next with center fielder Willie Argo (Illinois) crossing the plate with the eventual winning run.
Cooper’s ninth inning work produced his third save of the season. It also made a winner out of Tim Ryan (Minnesota) which was his first of his Northwoods League career.
The Bucks’ current four-game home stand concludes Monday at 7:05 p.m. against the Border Cats. It’s Pita Pit Buck Night with one dollar admission coupons available at the Cedar Falls’ Pita Pit location and at Rock 108 FM, Waterloo. All popcorn, hot dogs and regular-sized beer draws are one dollar.
MONDAY’S STARTERS
WATERLOO VS. THUNDER BAY – Jared Wagoner (Butler), 0-4, 5.94 ERA
THUNDER BAY AT WATERLOO – Garrett Yount (Central Arizona C.C.), 1-1, 3.19 ERA