Anchors shoot down Bucks in eighth

Published on August 1, 2015 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Alexandria Blue Anchors News Release


Alexandria, Minn. - The Alexandria Blue Anchors defeated the Waterloo Bucks Saturday afternoon at Knute Nelson Memorial Park by a score of 9-8. The Anchors are now 15-15 in the second half and 27-38 on the season.

The Blue Anchors jumped out to an early lead in the first. Drew Fearing singled and Josh Merrigan reached on an error. On a 2-1 pitch, Ricky Sanchez hit a three-run homer to put them ahead 3-0.

The lead grew in the fourth inning. Matt Hopfner walked and went to second on a wild pitch. He would move to third on a fly out from Kyle Richardson. Ben Allen hit an infield chopper to second and it was mishandled by the second baseman to score Hopfner and put the Anchors up 4-0.

Waterloo got on the board in the fourth against Tom Watson. Zach McKinstry doubled and he scored on a double from Mikal Hill making the score 4-1.

In the top of the fifth, Taylor Boyd singled with one out for the Bucks. He moved to third on a double by Tyler Selesky. After the second out was recorded, Hill walked to load the bases. Jonah Bride hit a grounder to third but it was bobbled bringing in Boyd and the lead shrunk to 4-2.

Alexandria answered in their half of the fifth. Trooper Reynolds singled with two outs and moved to second on a walk to Matt Duce. Hopfner singled in Reynolds and the score became 5-2.

Ryan Froom came in to pitch for the Anchors in the sixth. With runners on the corners, Selesky singled home Tim Millard and it was 5-3.

The game was in jeopardy in the eighth. Kody Knaus entered in relief and allowed a one-out single to Boyd, a walk to Selesky and another walk to McKinstry to load the bases. Hill doubled in two runs to tie the game. Eric White came in for Knaus and gave up a two-run double to Bride. Matthew James then singled putting runners on the corners for Matthew Stemper. The Bucks were unsuccessful in a double steal attempt and with James on second, Stemper drove him home and by the end of the frame, the Anchors were trailing 8-5.

The bad fortunes did not last long. Hopfner singled with one out in the in the bottom of the eighth. Kyle Richardson walked and Ben Allen singled to load the bases. Steve Sada dumped a single into short left scoring Hopfner. A passed ball scored Richardson and moved the other runners up a base. Fearing singled in Sada and Allen putting the Anchors ahead for good 9-8.

Watson threw five innings allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits and three walks with six K's. Froom pitched two innings giving up one run on four hits and one walk. Knause retired just one batter in the eighth letting in four runs on two hits and a couple of walks. White (3-2) got the win pitching one innings allowing a run on four hits and a walk with a strikeout. Tyler Hasper finished the game picking up his first save of the season striking out both batters he faced.

Minnesota Baseball Academy Player of the Game - Drew Fearing (SS) - The Alexandria native provided the game-winning hit in the eighth. He finished 2-for-5 at the dish with a run scored and two knocked in.

Notes: The Blue Anchors wrap-up their two-games series with the Bucks on Sunday at Knute Nelson Memorial Park...Fans 60 and older can get in for just $1 thanks to Ecumen Bethany Community...It's another Family Fun Sunday and kids can run the bases following the game...The game, starting at 5:05 pm, can be seen live at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/nwl.

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Northwoods League Stories from August 1, 2015


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