Waterloo finishes season-high six-game road trip 3-3
Box Score: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=316841
By: Jared Shlensky
DULUTH, Minn. – A three-run first and six strong innings from Jared Crescentini guided the Bucks to a 4-2 win over the Duluth Huskies in the conclusion of a six-game road trip on Sunday afternoon. Brandon Downey recorded his league-leading seventh save in the ninth as the Bucks improved to 11-1 in the last game of a series.
Waterloo (17-8) put up a three-spot on four consecutive hits to begin the game. Taylor Boyd led off the game with a single to left before Alex Boxwell followed Boyd with a single of his own to left. Tyler Curtis then dropped a perfectly placed bunt single up the third base line to load the bases. Lane Milligan put the Bucks in front 2-0 with a two-run single to right, plating both Boyd and Boxwell. Zack Soria increased the Bucks’ lead to 3-0 with an RBI groundout to the shortstop.
Duluth (12-14) cut the Waterloo lead to two with a run in the second. Matt Brown led off the frame with a single to center before Mitch Reeves was hit in the shoulder. Carter Hanford followed Reeves with a single through the left side to load the bases. Chase Barbary then grounded into a double play to bring in Brown for the Huskies’ first run.
Duluth made it 3-2 with a run in the fourth. Justin Ambrosino started the inning with a single to center before Reeves drew a walk. Hanford then singled to right, loading the bases for the Huskies. After Barbary popped out for the second out of the inning, David Kyriacou cut the deficit to one with a two-out RBI single to center.
Waterloo went back in front by two with a run in the fifth. Milligan recorded his second hit of the afternoon with a two-out single to right before Z. Soria brought him in with an RBI double off the base of the left-center wall.
Cresecntini (3-0) recorded his fourth quality start of the season in his fifth straight road start. The right-hander allowed two runs on 10 hits over six innings, striking out a season-high eight while walking one.
Hunter Spencer (1) and Derek Hendrixson (2) each recorded holds in the win. Spencer struck out the only batter he faced while Hendrixson yielded one hit in 1 2/3 innings, striking out one, too.
Downey (7) earned the save after facing the minimum in the ninth. Downey allowed one hit in one inning while striking out one as well. Downey still hasn’t allowed an earned run in 15 2/3 innings pitched.
Corey Gaconi (0-1) suffered the loss in his first start of the year. The right-hander allowed four runs on 11 hits while walking and striking out one in five innings.
The Bucks open a five-game homestand on Monday against La Crosse. First pitch in the series opener is at 7:05 p.m. LHP Patrick Boyle (1-1, 5.76) gets the ball for Waterloo while the Loggers counter with LHP Mitch Stalsberg (2-2, 2.36).
Waterloo returns home to Riverfront Stadium on Monday, June 27th vs. La Crosse. Monday’s game is another Buck Night. 10 oz. draft beer, 12 oz. fountain soda, small popcorn and ice cream sandwiches are $1.00 while hot dogs are just $1.50. All Waterloo Bucks games can be heard online with Jared Shlensky on waterloobucks.com.
