The Bucks were finally able to break out of their losing slump, taking down the Duluth Huskies 9-4. The Bucks had lost five straight before today but were able to turn things on offense, scoring nine runs on 16 hits, six of them extra base hits. The Bucks pitching was also solid, especially starter Derek Lamacchia. This win was the first in six tries for the Bucks against the Huskies.
The Bucks started the scoring off right away in the first inning. After Kevin Kaczmarski was hit by a pitch, Austin Barrett hit his first home run of the year. Later in the inning, Sean Borman hit a double and was driven in by Jordan Adams, giving the Bucks a 3-0 lead.
The Bucks kept the scoring up with two runs in the 4th and 5th innings. In the 4th, Thomas Lindauer drove in Freddy Villalobos with a RBI double and put runners on second and third. Pete Leonello followed that up with a single to score Jason Hockemeyer from third. In the 5th inning, back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases. Villalobos drove in one run with a single and Lindauer walked another run in. A double by Kaczmarski in the 8th drove in the final two runs scored for the Bucks.
As for the Bucks pitching, it was much improved which was huge after they gave up double digit runs in four of the last five games. Lamacchia started the game and was able to go seven strong innings, giving up three runs on four hits as well as striking out eight with just one walk. Chris Dunn came in next and got just one out before having to come out. Justin Grijalva came in next and was excellent, going 1.2 innings and allowing just one hit and striking out one batter with no walks.
The Bucks finish up their series with the Huskies tomorrow with a 5:05 pm game. After that, they Bucks will move in for a three game set with the Mankato Moondogs to wrap up the first half of the season. Remember to check out waterloobucks.com for all your latest Bucks information.