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Lunkers Come From Behind, Take Wild One 10-8
July 18, 2010
DULUTH Minnesota--The Lunkers come from behind and win a wild one in Duluth, 10-8, splitting the series with the Huskies at Wade Stadium.
Mark Threlkeld got things going early for the Huskies, as he connected with his seventh home run of the season off of Patrick Nathanson, a two-run blast that gave the Huskies an early edge.
After tying the game at three in the top of the fourth, the Lunkers failed to execute the shutdown inning, giving up four runs to Duluth, as they allowed the Huskies to take a 7-3 lead.
In that inning, Patrick Nathanson was removed from the game, the starter for the Lunkers had his toughest outing of the season, going 3.2 innings, giving up seven runs--all earned--on eight hits.
The Huskies starting pitcher, Frank DeJiulio, was in prime position to get his first win of the season, but he struggled in the top of the fifth. With the bases loaded, Vince Bruno's line drive to left field got by the Huskies' left fielder, Pete Cappetta, and rolled to the wall for a bases-clearing triple. Bruno, moments later, scored on a wild pitch to tie the game.
The Lunkers were not done, though. After forcing DeJiulio out of the game, they attacked Huskies reliever, Conner Hulse (1-4). After Hulse loaded the bases, Chadd Krist lined a single to right field, scoring two, putting the Lunkers ahead 9-7.
Joe Willman (1-0) picks up the win after going 2.1 innings of scoreless baseball in relief, setting up Ray Black (8 sv), who pitches a scoreless ninth for his eighth save of the season, in eight attempts.
With the win, the Lunkers (7-3) secure a first place tie with the Alexandria Beetles, their next opponent, in the North Division's second half standings.
The All-Star game is scheduled for Tuesday in Eau Claire, Wisc. Three Lunkers, Chadd Krist, Nick Anderson, and Kyle Teague, will participate.
The Lunkers resume play Thursday night from Stewart C. Mills Field. First pitch against the Alexandria Beetles is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
