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BRAINERD Minnesota--Drew Smith worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth innings, saving the 5-4 victory for the Lunkers over the Thunder Bay Border Cats to close out the first half of the season.

It was, in many ways, a forgettable first half of the season for the Lunkers, who finished seven games under .500 (14-21). Nonetheless, they ended it on a high note, as Charlie Henderson (1-1) picks up his first win of the season.

In six innings, Henderson gave up four runs on five hits. He struck out one and a walked two, throwing a total of 95 pitches. It was the first time in three starts he failed to go at least seven innings.

The Lunkers batted around in the first inning, scoring three runs on three hits, getting out to the early lead. All three runs came with two outs. Matt Hillsinger's single brought home the first run, and then Mick Gaston brought home two more with a single of his own.

After tacking on one more in each of the ensuing innings, the Lunkers' offense would go silent, giving Thunder Bay a chance to climb back in the game.

The Border Cats took advantage of the opportunity, scoring four runs in the middle innings, highlighted by Ryan Court's second home run of the season, a two-run home run to left field in the fourth inning.

With a lead cut from five to one, the Lunkers had a major opportunity in the bottom of the eighth to add some insurance, but Tommy Reyes grounded into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded and only one out.

It looked like a different night with the same story, as the Border Cats were quick to load the bases in the top of the ninth as they pursued a comeback win. But Drew Smith induced a foul out and a weak ground ball to get out the jam unscathed, collecting his fourth save of the season.

The first half of the season ends with the Lunkers in last place of the division. On Friday, the Lunkers begin their second half by hosting the St. Cloud River Bats for three games at Stewart C. Mills Field.

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