Waterloo used six late-inning runs to overcome a three-run deficit and defeat Duluth 6-3 for their sixth straight win.
By: Matt Gruemmer, Waterloo Bucks
DULUTH, Minn. – Trailing 3-0 with just two hits heading into the final three frames of the game, the Waterloo Bucks utilized six runs in the seventh and eighth innings to down the Duluth Huskies 6-3 at Wade Stadium Sunday evening. Luke Stratman (Lamar CC) and Taylor Boyd (St. Joseph’s) both tallied two RBIs for Bucks as the team won their sixth game in a row to open the season. Brian Drapeau (Long Island) picked up the win over seven innings and three earned runs allowed. Great pitching and defense opened the contest that saw three double plays in the first six innings of action.
Duluth scored all three of their runs in the game’s first inning. Cal Stevenson (Nevada) opened the game with a leadoff walk and came around to score on Colton Waltner’s (San Diego) run-scoring single to left. Alex Wojciechowski (Minnesota-Duluth) plated Waltner with a triple to the corner in right field and later scored on a ground ball to make it 3-0 Duluth after one inning.
Brian Drapeau (2-0) settled in for the next six frames and exited after seven innings where he surrendered three runs on three hits while walking four and striking out a pair.
The Bucks got on the scoreboard with two runs in the seventh to cut the lead to 3-2. After hitting a ground-rule double over the fence in right field, Joseph Shepherd (Murray St. College) scored on Boyd’s single into right field. Zach Jarrett (Charlotte) plated Boyd later in the inning with a single to right field make it a one-run contest.
Mark Hernandez (Long Island) was the catalyst behind a four-run rally in the eighth when he reached base on a fielding error by the Huskie’s second baseman. After a single by Matthew Stemper (Minnesota) and a walk by Shepherd in the following at-bats, Stratman belted a double to the alley in right to bring in two runs and give Waterloo its first lead, 4-3.
Then, with one out in the inning, back-to-back singles by Boyd and Mikel Hill (Winston-Salem St.) brought in Shepherd and Stratman to push Waterloo’s edge to 6-3.
Derringer Huff (South Dakota St.) toed the rubber to open the eighth and pitched through the final two innings to secure the 6-3 victory over the Huskies. Huff struck out two, walked one and allowed one hit in his Buck debut on the road.
The Bucks head back to Riverfront Stadium on Monday and open a four-game home stand that will see two games against St. Cloud and two against Mankato. It’s a Buck Monday at the ballpark where fans can get regular hot dogs for just $1.50, plus 10 oz. draft beer, 12 oz. sodas, small popcorn, and ice cream sandwiches are just $1 each! Sponsored by K98.5
It will also be Pink Out Night! The Bucks are helping raise breast cancer awareness! Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will be benefitting the Beyond Pink TEAM. Members from the Beyond Pink TEAM will be giving out Pink Ribbon Tattoos. The Bucks will also be wearing special ‘Pink Out’ jerseys.
The Bucks will wear special Pink Jerseys sponsored by MaidPro, The Cedar Valley Breast Care Center, and Great Clips. The jerseys will be sold via silent auction during the game and all proceeds from the Jersey auction will benefit the Beyond Pink TEAM.
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 22nd 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.
