Waterloo begins a four-game series vs. Eau Claire on Thursday in Iowa

Box Score: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=317168

By: Jared Shlensky

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Waterloo failed to avoid the sweep on Wednesday night as the Bucks fell to the St. Cloud Rox, 4-1, in the series finale from Joe Faeber Field. The Bucks have now dropped a season-high five consecutive games and are .500 for the first time this season.

After falling behind 9-0 through the first seven innings of last night’s game, Waterloo (9-18, 31-13) jumped in front 1-0 with their only run in the top of the second. Alex Boxwell gave the Bucks their first extra-base hit with a hustle-double to left-center before Luke Barry brought him home with an RBI single to center.

St. Cloud (18-7, 42-18) took the lead with two runs in the third. Dennis Karas doubled down the left field line to start the inning before Drew Freedman brought him in with an RBI double down into the left field corner. Ricky Ramirez gave the Rox a 2-1 lead with an RBI single to center, scoring Karas from second.

The Rox doubled their run total with two more runs in the sixth. Karas drew a two-out walk before Mark Skonieczny launched a two-run home run to left, extending St. Cloud’s lead to 4-1.

Jared Crescentini (5-3) was charged with his second straight loss. Crescentini allowed two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking three over five innings.

Dan Metzdorf (4-1) retired 13 in a row at one point in his third consecutive victory for St. Cloud. The southpaw yielded one run on six hits, striking out four and walking none over a season-high seven innings.

Collin Strall (10) secured the save with the six-out save. Strall struck out two and allowed two hits in two scoreless innings of relief. ​

The Bucks return home on Thursday for the start of a two-game homestand vs. the Eau Claire Express. Thursday’s game starts at 7:05 p.m. with RHP Kyle Leahy (1-0, 3.60) opposing Eau Claire RHP Jon Roblez (2-0, 3.34).

Thursday’s game is a Thirsty Thursday and College Night from Riverfront Stadium. College students receive a reserved seat ticket and two hot dogs for $7.00 while bottled water, 24 oz. fountain soda, 12 oz. draft beer and small popcorn just $2.00.

All Waterloo Bucks games can be heard online at waterloobucks.com with Jared Shlensky.