Waterloo, IA – It was great pitching that carried Waterloo (7-0) to their ninth straight win dating back to the end of last year. The home team was out hit 9-3 by the Rox of St. Cloud (2-5) but took advantage of their opportunities. Also, yet again, the home team used a big fourth inning to take the lead and that lead held until the end as the blue and yellow prevailed by a score of 3-2.
The Rox were first on the board in the top of the second with a home run from Jamie Simpson. However, Bucks’ starter Brock Hudgens would settle in as well as the bullpen. Waterloo would answer the bases empty blast in the fourth frame, yet again.
To begin the action, Kevin Kaczmarski would walk, one of four times on the night. He would steal second during Jordan Adams’ at bat. After a single from Adams, runners were on second and third for Davis Hendrickson. Hendrickson singled to right field and advance to second on the throw putting Adams on third and scoring the first run of the game for Waterloo in Kaczmarski. On a Thomas Lindauer groundout, Hendrickson would advance to third and Adams would score the second run of the inning. Hendrickson would score the third and final run for the Bucks on a Nico Zych sacrifice fly.
St. Cloud would threaten in the top of the ninth but only score once allowing the blue and yellow to hold on for the 3-2 victory.
Hudgens went four strong innings giving up only one earned run on six hits while striking out six Rox and walking two. In relief, Nick Maiers (3-0) would throw two perfect innings while striking out three. New addition to the roster, Gunner Johnson pitched 1.2 innings of shutout ball while striking out two and walking one to go with two hits. Jordan Milbrath gets his first save of the season after giving up that one earned run in 1.1 innings and striking out two with one walk.
At the dish for Waterloo, there were only three hits, those coming from Riley Good, Adams and Hendrickson.
Next up, the Bucks travel to Willmar to face the Stingers in a three game series beginning tomorrow. First pitch is set for 7:05. They will return home on Saturday to begin a two-game with the Duluth Huskies. Keep checking back into www.waterloobucks.com for all the latest info on the North Division leading Waterloo Bucks.