Waterloo, IA – On Saturday, July 5, the Waterloo Bucks defeated the La Crosse Loggers in a condensed game at Riverfront Stadium, outlasting them 3-2.

With his seventh start of the season, Eli Pillsbury struck out the most batters any Waterloo pitcher has in a single game all year with nine punchouts. The southpaw earned his first decision of the campaign, advancing his record to 1-0. He finished the day with a complete game by throwing 5.2 IP in the contest that concluded early due to rain.

After falling behind to La Crosse within the first couple frames, Owen Ross put the Bucks on the board and gave Waterloo its first lead in the fourth by plating two on a single up the middle. A couple batters later, Cole Smith hustled out a fielder’s choice to pick up the team’s third and final run of the contest.

The same inning all began with the lone extra-base hit of the day for the Bucks — a double into left field by Parker Sweeney. Getting on base to start the frame, Waterloo’s right fielder ended the day as the only Buck to reach to start an inning. Sam Finn followed that hit up with a five-pitch walk. Then, Brody Leyboldt bunted the runners over to second and third to pave the way for Ross to drive them home.

Smith also contributed with his glove by making consecutive key stops at the hot corner in the fifth inning with runners at second and third, keeping the Bucks in front.

The series continues tomorrow at Riverfront Stadium when the Bucks take on the Loggers at 3:35 pm (CDT).

BOXSCORE