Thunder Bay Border Cats rally late to secure a 5-4 victory against the Eau Claire Loggers in a dramatic game.
The Thunder Bay Border Cats improved to 6-1 on the season with a thrilling come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Eau Claire Loggers on Sunday in front of 745 fans at Port Arthur Stadium. The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging leads until the Cats secured the win in the bottom of the eighth inning.
The victory puts the Border Cats into first place in the Great Lakes East division of the Northwoods League.
Early Lead and Mid-Game Struggles
The Cats jumped to an early lead, going up 1-0 in the first inning and extending their advantage to 3-0 by the fifth. However, defensive errors in the fifth inning allowed the Loggers to mount a comeback, tying the game at 3-3.
Late-Inning Heroics
Thunder Bay struggled to regain control until the bottom of the eighth inning. Zane Skansi (Creighton University) delivered a crucial base hit just inside the third base bag, driving in the tying and winning runs. Skansi had an outstanding game, going 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored, and two RBIs.
Ty Brooks (University of South Alabama) contributed with two hits, while Ty Hamilton (University of Utah) reached base three times, adding a single, a pair of walks, and a run scored.
Strong Pitching Performance
Griffin Catto (Southern Illinois University) earned his second win of the season in relief, pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings and striking out three. Sean Heppner (University of British Columbia) secured the save by pitching out of a jam in the top of the ninth inning, his second save of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Cats and Loggers will face off again on Monday night at 6:35 p.m. Andrew Hardin (Southwestern University), with a 1-0 record, will take the mound for Thunder Bay. Fans can take advantage of the BOGO promotion and receive two tickets for $22.00.
Northwoods League Roundup: June 2nd
Here’s your action-packed recap from around the Northwoods League for June 2nd!
Wausau Woodchucks 8, Fond du Lac Dock Spiders 4 The Wausau Woodchucks keep their hot streak alive, extending their lead to 7-0 with an 8-4 victory over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. This marks their best start in franchise history! Max Galvin (Oklahoma State University) blasted a two-run homer in the eighth, and Jeremy Conforti (Central Methodist University) added two RBIs. The Woodchucks are on fire!
Mankato MoonDogs 4, St. Cloud Rox 3 Walk-off alert! The Mankato MoonDogs walked it off to secure a 4-3 win over the St. Cloud Rox, maintaining their top spot in Great Plains West. Josh Alexander (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) was the hero, driving in the game-winning run in the ninth.
La Crosse Loggers 6, Waterloo Bucks 3 The La Crosse Loggers took game one of their series against the Waterloo Bucks, winning 6-3. Elijah Ickes (University of Hawaii) went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Brennan Hudson (Georgia State University) added a two-run homer, leading the Loggers to victory.
Madison Mallards 7, Green Bay Rockers 5 The Madison Mallards outlasted the Green Bay Rockers in a 7-5 showdown. Will Vierling (University of Louisville) and Jake Munroe (John A. Logan Community College) were standout performers, with Vierling knocking in three runs and Munroe collecting a pair of doubles.
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 7, Lakeshore Chinooks 5 The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters rallied with four runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Lakeshore Chinooks 7-5. Trotter Boston (Tabor College) delivered a clutch two-run single, while Sidney Ferry (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) earned the win with three scoreless innings.
Kalamazoo Growlers 9, Traverse City Pit Spitters 1 The Kalamazoo Growlers dominated the Traverse City Pit Spitters with a commanding 9-1 victory. Reagan Paulina (Wayne State University) and Brodey Acres (Walsh University) combined for five RBIs, while Eamon Hordwedel (University of Michigan) set a franchise record with his 20th career win.
Kenosha Kingfish 4, Battle Creek Battle Jacks 1 The Kenosha Kingfish took down the Battle Creek Battle Jacks 4-1. Nick Giamarusti (Ohio State University) scored twice with two stolen bases, and Tanner Johnson (Triton College) secured his second win of the season with a strong six-inning performance.
Badlands Big Sticks 6, Duluth Huskies 2 The Badlands Big Sticks defeated the Duluth Huskies 6-2. Cooper Hill (Tyler Junior College) and Quade Peters (Eastern Illinois University) led the offense, while Tyler Conklin (Eastern Illinois University) earned his second win with five solid innings.
Bismarck Larks 5, Minot Hot Tots 4 The Bismarck Larks used a ninth-inning go-ahead run to edge out the Minot Hot Tots 5-4. Brady Krzciok (Macomb Community College) hit a two-run homer, and David Chase (Iowa Western) earned his first win of the season.
Royal Oak Leprechauns 7, Kokomo Jackrabbits 3 The Royal Oak Leprechauns downed the Kokomo Jackrabbits 7-3. Collin Overholt (Ashland University) led the charge with two RBIs, and Andrew Abler (Harvard University) pitched six scoreless innings to secure his first win of the season.
Minnesota Mud Puppies 8, Willmar Stingers 7 The Minnesota Mud Puppies got their first win of the season with an 8-7 triumph over the Willmar Stingers. Nico Senese (Georgia Tech) hit a two-run homer, and Trey Sejnoha (University of St. Thomas) earned the win with two scoreless innings.
Rockford Rivets 15, Rochester Honkers 6 The Rockford Rivets erupted offensively to crush the Rochester Honkers 15-6. Kyle Schupmann (University of Cincinnati) had a monster game with a three-run homer and four RBIs, while Jack Wajda (Lincoln Land Community College) picked up the win despite a rocky start.
That’s all for today’s Northwoods League action. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights!
