Four two-out runs in the top of the eighth gave Waterloo a series split with the La Crosse Loggers
Box Score: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=316766
By: Jared Shlensky
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Trailing 3-2 heading into the eighth, Waterloo scored four two-out runs in the top of the eighth to top the La Crosse Loggers, 7-3, in the series finale from Copeland Park on Friday night. The win improved the Bucks’ record to 8-0 in the last game of a series and ended the Loggers’ eight-game winning streak.
Waterloo (12-5) scored two unearned runs in the fourth to take an early lead. Adam McGinnis drew a one-out walk before Zack Soria singled to center, giving the Bucks runners on first and second. Lane Milligan followed with a single through the right side on the very first pitch he saw to load the bases. Nate Soria then grounded into a fielder’s choice, however, a La Crosse fielding error on the double play attempt allowed both McGinnis and Z. Soria to score.
Lorenzo Hampton, Jr, trimmed the Bucks’ lead to one with a two-out RBI single in the fifth before Luke Farley tied the game with a solo home run to begin the sixth.
La Crosse (11-7) took their only lead of the night with a two-out run in the seventh. Hampton drew a walk before reigning Northwoods League MVP Mason McCoy brought him in with an RBI double to right-center.
Waterloo regained the lead with four runs in the eighth. Nate Soria was hit in the leg with the bases loaded to tie the game at 3-3 before three consecutive bases loaded walks drawn by Zac Sanders, Daniel Perry and Zach Weatherford put the Bucks in front 6-3.
The Bucks added an insurance run in the ninth to increase their lead to four. Tyler Curtis drew a leadoff walk before swiping second to move into scoring position. Two batters later, Alex Boxwell singled to center, giving the Bucks runners on the corners. A La Crosse wild pitch allowed Curtis to score the final run of the game.
Nate Spielvogel (1-1) recorded the win with an inning in relief. Spielvogel allowed one run on one hit and a walk while striking out one in his first win of the year. Brandon Downey (5) recorded his league-leading fifth save of the year with two scoreless frames out of the bullpen. Downey extended his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 12 2/3 after yielding three hits and a walk while striking out a pair in his seventh appearance this season.
Patrick Boyle retired the first eight batters he faced in his second straight no-decision. The southpaw allowed two runs on three hits, striking out and walking two over six innings.
Jack Ralston (0-1) suffered the loss for La Crosse. Ralston allowed two runs on a hit batter and a walk in 1/3 of an inning.
The Bucks begin a two-game homestand on Saturday, June 18 against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. First pitch from Riverfront Stadium in the series opener is at 7:05 p.m. RHP Brett Solano (1-1, 4.00) gets the ball for Waterloo while Thunder Bay has yet to announce their starter.
Saturday’s game is at 7:05 p.m. and is Star Wars Night and a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza. The first 500 fans to Saturday’s game receive a free Star Wars T-Shirt! The Bucks will also be wearing special jerseys as part of Star Wars Night that will be sold during the game via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley. Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character as players from the 501st Central Garrison will be on hand for photos.