THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – What a night it was at Port Arthur Stadium! The Thunder Bay Border Cats steamrolled their way to a commanding 14-2 victory over the Minnesota Mud Puppies, solidifying their top spot in the Great Plains East Division with an impressive 5-1 record. In front of 715 roaring fans, the Cats showcased their dominance in a spectacular fashion! While earlier in the day the forecast appeared iffy, by game time it was heading into baseball weather.
The Fifth Inning Explosion
Leading 2-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Cats capitalized on the Mud Puppies’ major pitching woes, erupting for a staggering 12 runs with the challenger’s pitchers basically walking the bases loaded and then keeps the cleats walking!
The Mud Puppies’ pitchers couldn’t find the strike zone, walking nine and hitting four batters.
Thunder Bay sent 18 batters to the plate in this monumental inning, leaving the crowd chanting, “Ball 7, 8, 9!” as the Mud Puppies struggled to get it together.
he fifth inning against the Minnesota Mud Puppies was nothing short of a baseball bonanza! The Cats turned the tide with a massive 12-run rally, showcasing patience and precision at the plate as Minnesota’s pitchers completely lost their command.
The Chaos Begins – The Cat’s Half of the 5th
Cole Mahlum took the mound for the Mud Puppies, but things quickly spiraled out of control:
- Jacob Miller (#55) was hit by a pitch and advanced to first.
- Greg LaChance (#5) also took a hit by pitch, advancing Miller to second.
- Brayden Fraasman (#25) walked, loading the bases.
Scoring Frenzy
With the bases loaded, the Border Cats took full advantage:
- Alex Urlaub (#2) walked, scoring Miller and LaChance, giving the Cats a 4-1 lead.
- Mud Puppies’ Maddox Foss then stepped in as pitcher, but the chaos continued:
- Trey Fikes (#9) singled, scoring Urlaub.
- Lucas Terilli (#6) walked, filling the bases again.
Pitching Meltdown
- Ty Brooks (#12) hit into a fielder’s choice, but the Cats kept the pressure on:
- Cole Ketzner (#27) walked, bringing home Fikes and making it 7-1.
- Logan McIntyre (#20) walked, scoring Terilli, increasing the lead to 8-1.
Fan Frenzy and More Runs
Fans taunted the mound as the Mud Puppies pitchers struggled to find the strike zone:
- Jacob Miller (#55) singled, scoring Brooks.
- A wild pitch allowed Ketzner to score, pushing the lead to 10-1.
Final Surge
Luke Logeais was the next to try his luck on the mound, but the Cats kept pushing:
- Brayden Fraasman (#25) was hit by another pitch, forcing in another run.
- Alex Urlaub (#2) grounded out, scoring Miller.
- Greg LaChance (#5) scored on another wild pitch, extending the lead to 13-1.
- Ty Brooks (#12) walked, pushing another run across.
- Cole Ketzner (#27) was hit by another pitch, making it 14-1.
Fans on Fire
The atmosphere was electric as the Border Cats took advantage of every opportunity.
The Cats scored a mind-blowing 12 runs in the inning, taking a commanding 14-1 lead. It was a “Major League” Wild Thing moment, with the Mud Puppies cycling through four pitchers in a desperate attempt to find the strike zone.
Holding the Bats
The Cats players through the fifth inning were held from hitting, there were only four hits in this 14-2 romp. It was mainly the lack of the Mud Puppies pitchers finding the strike zone that cost the Puppies their chance at keeping it close. It took some discipline in the batter’s box to remain patient.
That was there for the most part, and it is showing a very mature 2024 Border Cat’s team.
Pitching Powerhouse
Garfield Johns from the University of South Alabama picked up the win in his season debut, going five innings and allowing just one run on three hits with a pair of strikeouts. It was a stellar performance by the left-hander, keeping the Mud Puppies at bay and setting the stage for the Cats’ explosive offence.
Upcoming Game Sunday Night!
The Border Cats continue their six-game home stand on Sunday with a two-game series against the Eau Claire Express at 5:05 PM. Trevor Baugh from Fort Hays State University is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay.
Don’t miss out on Family Day with a special offer of four tickets, four hot dogs, four Pepsis, and four bags of Old Dutch Chips for just $49.00! Plus, kids can run the bases after the game, and the first 250 fans through the gates receive a 2024 magnetic schedule courtesy of Intrepid Bus Charters.
