Waterloo was shutout for the third time this season in a 3-0 battle against Alexandria. 

Box Score

By: Matt Gruemmer, Waterloo Bucks

WATERLOO, Iowa – After back-to-back double-digit scoring affairs on Wednesday and Thursday, the Waterloo Bucks (23-23/4-4) compiled just four hits in a 3-0 loss to the Alexandria Blue Anchors (18-27/6-4) Friday night at Riverfront Stadium. Thomas Watson (Sante Fe) stymied the Waterloo offense over seven shutout frames, forcing the Bucks to try and adjust to his slow style of pitching.

The bright spot in the Waterloo lineup was Matt Stemper (Minnesota) with two of the four hits, including his eighth double of the season. Brian Drapeau (5-2) (Long Island) took the loss over a quality 6 1/3 innings start that included three runs allowed on six hits paired with two walks and four strikeouts. Brian Polowy (North Central) was electric in relief for the Bucks, holding the Blue Anchors scoreless with one hit over 2 2/3 frames on the mound.

The loss moved Alexandria into sole-possession of third place of the Northern Division of the second half while it also marked the first win for the Blue Anchors at Riverfront Stadium since a 6-4 victory on July 12, 2013.

Alexandria broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth with two doubles, taking a 1-0 lead. Luke Petterson (Minnesota) doubled with one out for the Blue Anchors, and later scored when Anthony Marks (Coastal Carolina) sent him in on a double-bagger.

Petterson, again, hurt the Bucks in the top of the seventh when he scored along with Ben Allen (DMACC) for the 3-0 lead. Anthony Marks (Coastal Carolina) plated a run with a single in the frame while Josh Merrigan (North Carolina) sent the last man across with a groundout to second base with one out in the inning.

The Bucks best scoring opportunity was squandered in the bottom of the seventh when they left runners at second and third with two outs in the frame.

Waterloo continues the home stand Friday by opening a two-game set with the Eau Claire Express at 7:05 PM (CT) Saturday from Riverfront Stadium.

Saturday marks a Minions Night/Mask Giveaway. Minions are taking over Riverfront Stadium! Minions will be on the concourse to take pictures and sign autographs! The first 500 fans through the gate will receive a free Minions Mask!

It’s also another installment of a FIREWORKS extravaganza with a fireworks show following the Bucks and Express ball game.

Tickets are available at waterloobucks.com. You can also visit the Bucks Ticket Office at Riverfront Stadium or call (319)-232-5633.

Bucks’ games are broadcast live on waterloobucks.com.

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The Waterloo Bucks are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22^nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.