The Bucks resume their four-game series on Friday night vs. Mankato
Box Score: http://northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=317046
By: Jared Shlensky
MANKATO, Minn. – A nine-run bottom of the first and a season-high six errors was too much for the Waterloo to overcome on Thursday night from Franklin Rogers Park as the Bucks fell to the Mankato Moondogs, 13-10, in the series opener. Robert Neustrom led the offense with three hits and a personal-best four RBI in the defeat.
Waterloo (6-7, 28-20) jumped in front 2-0 in the first. Neustrom brought in the first run of the game with an RBI single to right, however, Neustrom was out at second after trying to stretch his single into a double. Adam McGinnis put the Bucks in front by two with a two-out solo home run to right-center. The home run for McGinnis was his team-leading ninth of the season.
Mankato (8-5, 30-18) scored nine runs after bringing a season-high 15 to plate in the bottom of the first to go up by seven. David Metzger reached on the first of three errors committed by the Bucks in the frame, allowing Drew Fearing to score from third. Jake Shepski tied the game at 2-2 after coming in to score from third on the second Waterloo error. Metzger gave the Moondogs their first lead of the night after stealing home following a pickoff throw from Brett Solano to first. A wild pitch from Solano brought in Marcus Pingleton from third, increasing the Moondogs’ lead to 4-2. An RBI fielder’s choice from Alvaro Rubalcaba extended the Mankato lead to three before the third Waterloo error of the inning scored Bryce Adams to make it a four-run game. Metzger continued the nine-run inning with a two-run single before Pingleton was hit with the bases loaded, extending Mankato’s lead to 9-2
The Bucks trimmed the Moondogs’ lead to 9-4 with two, two-out runs in the third. Lane Milligan lofted a two-run double just past a diving Pingleton in left-center, bringing around Alex Boxwell and Travon Benton.
Waterloo added two more runs in fourth, cutting the Mankato lead to 9-6. A sacrifice fly from Milligan made it a four-run game before Neustrom drove in his second run of the night with a two-out RBI single to center.
The Moondogs went back in front by four with a two-out run in the fifth. Shepski’s two-out RBI single through the right side was one of his three hits, and more importantly, extended Mankato’s lead to 10-6.
Tyler Curtis made it a 10-7 with a solo home run in the top of the seventh. The home run was one of three on the night for the Bucks and the second of the year for Curtis.
Mankato went in front 12-7 with two runs in the top of the seventh. Rubalcaba made it a four-run game with an RBI single before coming around to score on Fearing’s two-out RBI single.
The Bucks trimmed the Moondogs’ lead to two with three runs in the top of the eighth. Zac Sanders scored on a wild pitch before Neustrom lifted a two-run home run just over the right field fence.
The Moondogs received an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth to go up 13-10. Alex Tucker brought in the final run of the night with a two-out RBI double to right-center.
Solano (4-4) was charged with the loss. Solano went 2/3 of an inning, allowing nine runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out one.
Brett Newberg (1-0) earned the win in relief. The southpaw yielded one run on one hit while striking out and walking two in 2 2/3 innings. Kevin Yarabinec (3) recorded the save with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Bucks conclude their two-game road trip on Friday in Minnesota vs. the Moondogs. RHP Steven Baker (1-3, 2.78) opposes RHP Ricky Digrugilliers (4-2, 1.99) in the series finale.
Waterloo returns home on Saturday for a 7:05 p.m. game vs. Mankato. Saturday’s game is a Pink Out and a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza. The Bucks will wear special pink jerseys, sponsored by Great Clips, PDCM Insurance and Visions Hair Studio. Proceeds from the jersey auction will go to the Beyond Pink TEAM. Beyond Pink TEAM members will also be giving out Pink Ribbon Tattoos on Saturday.
All Waterloo Bucks games can be heard online at waterloobucks.com with Jared Shlensky.